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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is committed to ensuring the safe and responsible sale of alcohol and maintaining public confidence in Ontario’s regulated sectors.
Recent compliance activities show that private room karaoke bars have nearly double the violation rate under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA) compared to other licensed establishments.
In response, the AGCO has intensified monitoring and outreach to this high-risk sector. We will continue to take a proactive, education-first approach to help licensees meet their regulatory obligations – but will also impose stronger enforcement measures, including increased penalties, where violations persist.
What licensees need to know
Liquor sales licensees and their staff must be properly trained and aware of their obligations under Ontario’s liquor laws.
Repeated or persistent non-compliance may result in more severe consequences, including monetary penalties, suspensions, or licence revocation.
Acting responsibly: key requirements
Please review the following reminders to help maintain a safe and compliant environment:
- Check identification: You must verify ID for anyone who appears to be under 19. Selling alcohol to an underage person is prohibited by law.
- Don’t permit intoxication: You cannot permit intoxication on your premises or in areas under your exclusive control. Staff must actively identify and stop serving intoxicated patrons.
- Prevent disorderly conduct: You and any appointed manager must take reasonable steps to prevent disorderly conduct on the premises, including intoxication, controlled substances, violence, or other illegal activities.
- Sell alcohol only within permitted hours: Alcohol may only be sold or served before 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. All evidence of alcohol service and consumption must be cleared by 2:45 a.m.
- Monitor the number of patrons in your premises: Licensees need to ensure that the number of people in the licensed premises does not exceed the number permitted by your licence. This number can be found on the licence, and it includes your employees.
Learn more about responsible service in multi-room karaoke bars.
Cooperating with Inspectors
Licensees are required to allow AGCO Inspectors to enter their premises and conduct inspections. You must cooperate fully, answer questions truthfully, and provide records when requested. You are responsible for ensuring that Inspectors can carry out their duties without obstruction.
Additional resources
- Liability: There’s more to lose than your licence
- Hours for liquor sale, service and delivery
- Sell and serve alcohol responsibly
- Four Steps for a Quick and Easy AGCO Inspection
Questions
For further information, please reach out to your local AGCO Inspectors. If you are unsure who your Inspector is or have misplaced their contact information, please email compliance@agco.ca.