Rules & Regulations: Special Occasion Permits (SOPs)

Question 1

What is a TAILGATE EVENT?

Answer 1

A tailgate event is a type of public event for which you can obtain a Special Occasion Permit (SOP) called a Tailgate Event Permit. A tailgate event is generally considered to be an outdoor social gathering, where attendees can bring their own food, beverages (including alcohol), and often their vehicles.

Question 2

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A TAILGATE EVENT PERMIT IN ONTARIO, THE TAILGATE
EVENT MUST BE:

Answer 2

∙∙∙ An outdoor event that is held in connection with, and in proximity to, one of the following
types of live sporting events:
∙∙∙ Professional
∙∙∙ Semi-professional
∙∙∙ Post-secondary
∙∙∙ Held at an outdoor space, at ground level (e.g. parking lot).
∙∙∙ Be in proximity to where the live sporting event is taking place.

Question 3

Can the Permit Holder sell or serve homemade alcohol?

Answer 3

No! Attendees can bring and consume homemade alcohol or alcohol made at a brew or ferment on premise facility, but the Permit Holder cannot sell or serve this type of alcohol.

Question 4

Can attendees sell their own alcohol?

Answer 4

However, attendees cannot sell their own alcohol as only the Permit Holder
may sell alcohol purchased under the permit if the permit allows for it.

Question 5

How old must the designated Responsible Person for the tailgating event be?

Answer 5

19+

Question 6

What are the hours for the tailgate event?

Answer 6

9am to 2pm

Question 7

Can attendees leave with opened alcohol? Who is responsible for enforcing this rule?

Answer 7

It is the responsibility of the Permit Holder to ensure that individuals attending the tailgate event do not leave the permit area with unsealed or opened alcohol.

Question 8

When departing the event in a motorized vehicle, how much alcohol be transported?

Answer 8

Alcohol must be sealed and unopened, or packed in baggage that is fastened closed, or is not otherwise available to anyone in the vehicle.

Question 9

How must alcohol be transported by attendees leaving on foot?

Answer 9

Attendees leaving by foot, or other means, must transport unfinished alcohol in a closed container.

Question 10

When are regular Special Occasion Permits (SOPs) required?

Answer 10

For the service of alcohol at an event in any location other than a licensed establishment (bar or restaurant), private
place (boardroom in a private office), or residence.

Question 11

Do you need an SOP for sold at a private place?

Answer 11

If alcohol is being offered for sale at a private place, an SOP is required—this excludes private
residences (your home) where alcohol cannot be sold.

Question 12

What are the three types of SOP events?

Answer 12

Private, Public and Industry Promotional

Question 13

What is a PRIVATE SOP event?

Answer 13

Private events are only for individuals who have been invited by the host. These include cash or non-cash bars at birthday parties,
weddings, and bridal showers.

Question 14

What is a PUBLIC SOP event?

Answer 14

Public events are open to the public, and allow for fundraising/profit from the sale of alcohol. Examples include charity, fundraisers, outdoor street festivals, and community festivals.

Question 15

What is an INDUSTRY PROMOTIONAL SOP event?

Answer 15

Industry promotional events are held to promote a manufacturer’s product through sampling. However, there can
be no intent to profit from the sale of alcohol at these events.

Question 16

When is a “NO SALE PERMIT” required?

Answer 16

∙∙∙ An event is held in a location other than a private place or residence.
∙∙∙ Alcohol is served free of charge.

Question 17

When is a “SALE PERMIT” required?

Answer 17

∙∙∙ Alcohol is sold, either through a cash bar or alcohol tickets.
∙∙∙ Admission is charged.

Question 18

What are the 5 rules of PRIVATE SOP events?

Answer 18

∙∙∙ Cannot be advertised, including via public social media.
∙∙∙ Can only be attended by invited guests.
∙∙∙ Cannot profit from the sale of alcohol.
∙∙∙ Cannot be used for personal gain, or to help a business.
∙∙∙ Cannot encourage drinking contests/games that lead to excessive drinking.

Question 19

Can homemade wine/beer be sold or served under an SOP?

Answer 19

Homemade wine and beer can be served at a private event as long as it is not sold. The beer or wine must be made by a member of the family hosting the event and provided free of charge.

Question 20

Is Smart Serve certification required under an SOP?

Answer 20

Smart Serve certification is not required under a SOP, it is strongly recommended and may be a requirement under a Municipal Alcohol Policy (MAP).

Question 21

Must the individual listed on the SOP be present at all times?

Answer 21

The individual whose name is listed on an SOP must be present at all times
and holds the responsibility for ensuring the Liquor Licence Act (LLA) rules and
regulations are followed.

Question 22

Should food be legally available under SOP?

Answer 22

Not legally required, Smart Serve recommends that food be made available.