Smart Serve Recertification Requirements Reminder


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Alcohol

Note: As announced on June 30, 2023, the AGCO is extending the period to complete Smart Serve recertification. Certificates with an expiry date between July 1, 2023 and August 31, 2023 remain valid until September 1, 2023

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) would like to remind liquor licensees of Smart Serve recertification requirements that took effect July 1, 2022:

  • Smart Serve certificates issued before July 1, 2018, will expire on June 30, 2023, at 11:59pm. This includes certificates issued prior to 1995 from the Server Intervention Program.  
  • Smart Serve certificates issued on or after July 1, 2018, will expire five years from the date of issuance (e.g., if you were certified on July 2, 2018, your certificate will expire on July 1, 2023 at 11:59 pm). 

What you need to know

As a liquor licensee, it is your responsibility to:

  • Ensure that the following persons hold a valid certificate demonstrating completion of Smart Serve:
    • Persons involved in the sale, service, sampling or delivery of liquor or in taking orders for the sale of liquor
    • Security staff whom you employ or, in the case of a stadium, uses
    • Employees involved in the sale and service of liquor from motorized vending carts, as well as course marshals, for Golf Course Endorsement holders
  • Make sure that persons who must hold a valid certificate are aware of Smart Serve recertification requirements.

In order to maintain a valid certificate, certificate holders must recertify before their certificate expires.

  • As of July 1, 2022, all Smart Serve certificates (new and existing) include expiry dates. 

Smart Serve certificate holders qualify for a discounted price of $29.95 to recertify if the training program is completed before their existing certificate expires

 

Background

As announced on November 9, 2021, the AGCO introduced a five-year term for all new and existing liquor training certifications. Certificate holders must complete the Smart Serve training program every five years.   

Licensees are encouraged to keep a copy of their employees’ certification. AGCO Inspectors may ask a licensee for proof of a staff member’s certification at any time.

 

For More Information

Note: Be sure to familiarize yourself with applicable sections of the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019Regulation 746/21 (Licensing) and the Registrar’s Interim Standards and Requirements for Liquor to ensure you are in compliance.