If you are selling or serving liquor at your tailgate event, all liquor must be purchased in Ontario from an authorized government retail store (LCBO, The Beer Store or authorized manufacturer’s retail store).
An applicant must be 19 years of age or older to obtain a Tailgate Event Permit. If the applicant is an organization, association or company, the application must be completed by a member or representative who will be at least 19 years of age at the time of the event, who has signing authority for the organization, association or company. Applicants must provide all information, materials, documentation or approvals as may be requested.
An applicant can apply for an SOP online by creating an iAGCO account. Through the iAGCO account, the applicant can check the status of the application and, once it is approved, print the permit.
Tailgate Event Permit application fees are non-refundable. For a list of current fees, please refer to the Schedule of Fees on the AGCO’s website.
A police officer or AGCO Compliance Official may revoke a tailgate event permit while the event is underway if they reasonably believe that the Liquor Licence and Control Act or its regulations are being contravened in connection with the event.
The AGCO regulates the sale and service of liquor in Ontario and provides assistance to applicants and permit holders in understanding how to conduct an event in a responsible manner.
Under a Tailgate Event Permit, liquor may be sold and served, though there is no requirement to do so. However, attendees 19 years and older must be allowed to bring their own liquor for consumption at the event.
A Tailgate Event SOP is required for events held in connection with, and in proximity to, a sporting event, and where attendees 19 years of age or older may bring their own liquor (BYOB) for consumption at the tailgate event, within the permitted area.
To be eligible for a Tailgate Event Permit in Ontario, the tailgate event must meet the definition of a tailgate event as set out in the Permit Regulation.
A Special Occasion Permit (SOP) is required any time liquor is sold or served anywhere other than in a licensed establishment or a private place (for example, a corporate boardroom or a residence). Note: liquor cannot be sold at a residence.
The following are the applicable premise types to select, depending on the corresponding licence being applied for:
The following is an example of sketch showing the proposed extended area in relation to the existing licensed area(s)
Formula for Maximum Capacity of Extension: Length x Width (metres) divided by 1.11 (metres)
