Further to the announcements on August 6 and September 9, 2024, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) Board of Directors has approved one additional liquor retail training program to support Ontario’s expanded liquor retail marketplace.
All approved programs are designed to provide liquor retail licensees and their employees with the knowledge needed to sell, serve and deliver liquor safely, responsibly, and in compliance with the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 , its regulations and the standards and requirements established by the AGCO Registrar.
Retail licensees1 must ensure that employees involved in the sale, service and delivery of liquor or in taking orders for liquor at a licensed retail store (such as a licensed grocery store, convenience store or offsite winery retail store) hold a valid certificate demonstrating the successful completion of any one of the AGCO Board-approved training programs.
The newly approved program is highlighted below, in addition to all other board-approved liquor retail training courses. For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of all approved training programs, visit our responsible liquor sale, service and delivery training page.
Board-Approved Liquor Retail Training Programs
Newly Approved Programs
| Program | Cost | Training Requirement | Recertification |
|---|---|---|---|
| SafeCheck® Alcohol Retailer Training – Ontario | $10.98 + HST | Only approved for retail licensees and employees involved in the sale, service, and delivery of liquor, or taking orders for the sale of liquor, at a licensed convenience store, grocery store or offsite winery retail store.1 | All certifications are valid for 5 years. |
Existing Program
| Program | Cost | Training Requirement | Recertification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acts of Service: Responsible and Compassionate Retail Sale of Liquor (In-person only) | $100.00 + HST | Only approved for retail licensees and employees involved in the sale, service, and delivery of liquor, or taking orders for the sale of liquor, at a licensed convenience store, grocery store or offsite winery retail store.1 | All certifications are valid for 5 years. |
| CannServe Standard – Liquor Retail Worker Training Program | $24.95 + HST | ||
| Licence to Serve | $14.95 + HST | ||
| Liquor Retail Employee Training | $19.95 + HST | ||
| Retail Alcohol Sales Training | $19.95 + HST | ||
| Selling Alcoholic Beverages Responsibly (SABR) | $19 + HST | ||
| Smart Serve Retail | $24.95 (no HST) | ||
| Smart Serve Training Program | $44.95 (no HST) | Approved for all liquor licensees and employees (such as bar and restaurant servers), including retail licensees and employees listed above. | Valid for 5 years |
| StoreServe Certification | $13.99 + HST | Only approved for retail licensees and employees involved in the sale, service, and delivery of liquor, or taking orders for the sale of liquor, at a licensed convenience store, grocery store or offsite winery retail store.1 | All certifications are valid for 5 years. |
The AGCO continues to review liquor retail training programs submitted during the open call and may announce additional Board-approved programs in the future.
1 Retail licensees are defined in Ontario Regulation 746/21 under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 . Brewer's Retail Inc. (BRI) is exempt from the training requirements as outlined in the standards and requirements established by the AGCO Registrar, provided BRI ensures that every person involved in the sale of liquor at BRI/The Beer Store outlets completes training that addresses the responsible sale and service of liquor and the training is reviewed by the Registrar.