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COVID-19
In: Alcohol - Thursday, October 1, 2020
New public health measures regarding the sale and service of alcohol
On September 25, the AGCO shared information about changes to the hours of sale and service of alcohol at licensed establishments announced by the Government of Ontario.
The Government of Ontario has made...
In: Alcohol - Friday, September 25, 2020
Ontario announces new public health measures that will prohibit alcohol sales at licensed establishments after 11 p.m.
In: General - Monday, September 21, 2020
Ontario Announces New Province-wide Limits to the Size of Unmonitored and Private Social Gatherings
On September 19, 2020 the Ontario Government announced reductions in the number of people permitted to attend unmonitored and private social gatherings across the entire province...
In: Alcohol - Friday, September 18, 2020
Special Occasion Permits and Auction Authorizations for Private Social Gatherings in Ottawa, Peel and Toronto Regions
On September 17, 2020 the Government announced amendments to order O. Reg 364/20: Rules for Areas in Stage...
In: Cannabis - Wednesday, July 22, 2020
End of Cannabis Emergency Order and the conclusion of curbside pick-up and delivery
On April 7, 2020, the Ontario government made an emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to support the cannabis retail sector through the COVID-19 pandemic, temporarily allowing authorized cannabis retail stores to offer delivery and...
On March 28, 2020, the Ontario government issued an emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to prohibit organized public events and social gatherings of more than...
On March 18, 2020, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced that it would be extending by three months the term of all the active liquor, gaming and cannabis licences, authorizations and...
In: Cannabis - Friday, July 17, 2020
Extension of Emergency Orders permitting Cannabis Delivery and Curbside Pick-Up
While the government has recently announced that emergency orders have been extended to July 29, the order allowing cannabis delivery...
In: Lottery and Gaming - Wednesday, July 15, 2020
AGCO Charitable Gaming Update: Expanded Payment Options for Paper-Based Bingo Facilities
July 2020 – In line with our commitment to supporting the Charitable Gaming sector, the AGCO will now permit the acceptance of credit cards, as well as debit cards, for charitable gaming transactions at paper-based bingo facilities, on a temporary basis during the pandemic. This was an industry suggestion and is intended to provide some...
In: Alcohol - Monday, June 22, 2020
Sandy's Law sign must be visible in all areas where alcohol is sold and served, including patios
As the Government of Ontario continues to allow more regions to enter Stage 2 of reopening, the AGCO would like to remind those liquor sales licensees who are permitted to open, that in addition to meeting the eligibility criteria to temporarily extend an existing patio or open a new one, licensees are also required to comply with all other...
June 2020 – In response to requests from the charitable gaming sector, the AGCO has increased flexibility for Bingo Revenue Model licensees wanting to run a media bingo while facilities are closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Once approved, Hall Charity Associations together with bingo hall operators can proceed...
In: Alcohol - Thursday, May 28, 2020
Information for Liquor Sales Licensees Selling Liquor for Takeout or Delivery Along with Food
As part of its broader package of measures to support Ontarians and businesses that have been significantly impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19, the Government of Ontario amended Regulation 719 under the Liquor Licence Act (LLA) to temporarily allow liquor sales licensees (i.e., licensed bars and restaurants) to sell beer, wine and spirits as...
In: Horse Racing - Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Industry Notice: Temporary Change to the Process to Add a Horse to the EIPH Program in Ontario
As the industry prepares for the resumption of racing, the AGCO would like to provide an update to trainers, assistant trainers, owners and veterinarians looking to add a horse to the Exercise Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage (EIPH) Program in Ontario.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in support of the industry as it prepares for the...
On May 20, 2020, the Registrar announced a number of...
In: Horse Racing - Monday, May 25, 2020
Understanding the AGCO’s Temporary Amendments to the Qualifying Rules for Standardbred Horses
To prepare for the return to racing, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is actively reviewing Ontario’s horse racing rules and regulations to ensure responsible measures are taken to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Of these, several temporary rule changes are being introduced with the aim of reducing the number of horses...
In: Alcohol - Thursday, May 21, 2020
Licensed golf course clubhouse restaurants can sell alcohol with food takeout orders
The Government of Ontario announced that as of May 16, 2020, some seasonal services and activities are permitted to open, including golf courses. If you are a golf course operator with a liquor sales licensed clubhouse restaurant, you are permitted to sell alcohol with food takeout orders between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Golf...
In: Horse Racing - Wednesday, May 20, 2020
(rescinded) Industry Notice: Return to Racing, Temporary Rule Amendments
The Ontario Government announced its plans to lift the provincial emergency...
In: Alcohol - Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Changes to minimum price for spirits ordered with food for takeout and delivery
As part of the Government of Ontario’s continued efforts to support businesses significantly impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19, the government has approved a change affecting liquor sales licensees that comes into effect today.
Regulation 719 under the Liquor Licence Act (LLA) has been amended to reduce the minimum price of...
As part of its broader package of measures to support Ontarians and businesses that have been significantly impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19, the Government of Ontario is making it easier for cideries to sell directly to consumers.
Effective immediately, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has temporarily removed...
In: Lottery and Gaming - Monday, April 27, 2020
AGCO Update for Charitable Lotteries During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The AGCO remains committed to helping organizations that are licensed to conduct charitable lotteries in Ontario throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. The AGCO understands that charitable priorities and operational circumstances are changing due to the evolving health and safety situation.
Flexibility on Use of Lottery...