This summer's world soccer tournament will bring excitement, energy, and visitors from around the world to Ontario. Be prepared for increased activity at your establishment so you can continue to provide safe, responsible, and enjoyable service.
Key Areas to Review Before Tournament Activity Increases
Age Verification
- Check for valid ID.
- To be valid, ID must be government-issued, have a photo and date of birth, and not be expired.
- Physical ID only (not a screenshot or copy).
- Refuse service where required.
Responsible Service
- Recognize the signs and prevent intoxication. Intoxicated people are not allowed on the licensed premises or in adjacent areas under the exclusive control of the licensee.
- Refuse service when required. This could include, for example, minors or intoxicated people.
- Ensure staff are trained from an AGCO Board-approved program.
Operations
- Sell and serve liquor only during permitted hours. See the information bulletin detailing the Temporary extension of alcohol hours.
- Note: Delivery time for liquor remains between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and can only be made to a residence or private place in Ontario (i.e. a hotel room would be considered a private place).
- Respect capacity limits. This means the number of people, including staff, at your establishment (both indoors and outdoors) does not exceed the capacity limit on your licence.
- Display required signage, for example, Sandy's Law.
- Prevent illegal gambling, drugs, or disorderly conduct.
- Ensure advertising and promotions follow AGCO rules.
Reminder: Temporary Extension of Outdoor Licensed Area
Liquor Sales Licence holders and manufacturer by-the-glass endorsement holders can get approval of a temporary outdoor patio from your local municipality. Please visit your local municipality's website for the application and more information.
For more details, including what licensees on First Nations Reserves or in Unorganized Areas should do, see the Framework for Temporary Outdoor Physical Extensions page.
Reminder: Liquor Takeout & Delivery
To offer the sale of liquor with food takeout and delivery orders, a business must hold a Liquor Sales Licence. However, not all businesses that hold a liquor sales licence may sell liquor for takeout and delivery.
To help determine if you are eligible to sell liquor with food for takeout and delivery, see Liquor Takeout & Delivery — Eligibility Requirements page.
Prepare for inspections
As part of our preparations for the tournament, AGCO Inspectors will be present across Ontario to support compliance and help maintain safe, responsible environments for patrons.
Be sure to read and follow these Four Steps for a Quick and Easy AGCO Inspection to prepare.
Special Occasion Permits (SOP)
Planning to host a special event during the tournament? If you are planning to sell and/or serve alcohol, you may need to apply for a Special Occasion Permit. Find out if your event needs a permit.
Helpful Resources
See the compliance tips and resources and tip sheets for details on all of these areas of compliance. Other helpful resources include:
- Temporary province-wide extension of alcohol hours
- New 'bring-your-own' alcoholic beverages permit expands to cultural and community events
- Special occasion permits
- Sell and serve alcohol responsibly
As always, licensees must comply with all relevant laws, standards and licence terms and conditions.