There are two different types of liquor licences. You may apply for either a permanent establishment (restaurant, bar, tavern) licence or a Special Occasion Permit (see below).

Permanent establishments

Licences for permanent establishments are granted by the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Registry Services assists business owners by coordinating municipal approvals to indicate an establishment meets Fire Code, Building Code and Public Health regulations.

You can get an application package from the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario. Contact them at 416 326-8700 or:
90 Sheppard Ave. East
Suite 200
Toronto ON
M2N 0A4

This package will include a municipal information form that must be filled out and brought to a City Registry Services offices. Registry Services does the following:

• accepts the application, payment and required documents
• forwards the application to Building, Health, and Fire divisions
• notifies the Councillor for the area in question
• notifies Police and the AGCO
• Signs the Municipal Information Form identifying the type of licence permitted in the area (wet, dry, damp)
• returns the form back to the applicant.

Fee: The total fee is $554.69, which can be paid by certified cheque, cash/debit or credit card.

After the City returns the form, you can then forward it and AGCO fees to the AGCO so they can begin their procedure.

The AGCO:

• places a notice in the paper to advise the public
• processes the application and provides a placard to post in the establishment for 30 days
• issues the liquor licence once all City of Toronto compliance letters and OPP checks are received

Outdoor patios
If your liquor licence application includes an outdoor patio, please make sure there has been a building permit issued that includes the patio, or that you have obtained a preliminary zoning review for the patio. If you are not sure, please call 416-395-7000 for more information.

Special Occasion Permits

Special Occasion Permits are granted by the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario. A permit is needed if you plan on serving or selling beverage alcohol at any location that is not a licensed establishment, or a private place or residence.

Process:

• Pick up an application form at any LCBO store
• Take the application to the designated permit-issuing LCBO store in the municipality where the event is to take place. Store staff can tell you where that is, or you can call the LCBO at 1-800-668-5226 or in Toronto at 416-365-5900

For more information, see the AGCO website.