Find types of liquor permits

You need a liquor permit when you:

• sell and serve liquor at a location other than a licensed premises providing liquor service under an existing licence;
• serve liquor at a location other than a private residence or a licensed establishment; or
• use alcohol for scientific, industrial or medicinal purposes.

Special occasion and reception permits are for occasional use only and not for a profit-making initiative.

Only the named person on the permit application (the applicant) is authorized to pick up the liquor order. If this is not possible then the permit applicant must complete a Bearer's Order authorizing someone else to pick up the order.

Special occasion permit

You need a special occasion permit when you're serving and selling liquor at an event located somewhere other than a licensed premises.

To qualify for a special occasion permit you must be:

• a non-profit organization; and
• running a special event such as a charitable fundraiser or community festival.

Conditions for a special occasion permit

• Your special event is no more than a maximum of 5 days in a row.
• Your special event is no more than a maximum of 5 days in a row.
• You're allowed to operate a maximum 5 days in a row and no more than 26 days between the April 1 to March 31 fiscal year.
• If you require more days within a year you should apply for a liquor licence.

Apply for a special occasion permit.

Reception permit

You need a reception permit when:

• you're serving but not selling liquor at an event located somewhere other than a licensed premise; or
• you intend to serve alcohol at an event in a place that is generally open to the public, even if it is not open to the public at the time of the event.

For instance, a staff Christmas party at a business office or a show opening at an art gallery.

Reception permits are also for special events such as weddings, receptions and after-hours business events where you are not selling liquor.

Conditions for a reception permit

• You can serve liquor for no more than 9 hours between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. the next day.
• You will make food available for each person attending the event.
• You are not charging admission to your event.

A reception permit allows you to serve homemade wine and beer at your event, unless a condition is placed on the permit that states otherwise.

Apply for a reception permit.

Scientific, industrial or medicinal use permit

To purchase and use alcohol for scientific, industrial or medicinal purposes, a permit is required. Permits will not be authorized for personal culinary or recreational use. For example, botanical extracts for baking or craft liqueurs for personal consumption are not permitted.

Apply for a scientific, industrial or medicinal activity use permit