Special Events and Municipal Alcohol Policy

A Special Occasion Permit (SOP) is required any time alcohol is served anywhere other than in a licensed establishment or a private place. SOPs are for occasional, special events only, and not for personal profit or running an ongoing business. Special occasions and events include public events, charity fundraisers, wedding receptions and private weddings. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) oversees the administration of the SOP program. Applicants must apply on the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario's (AGCO) portal to obtain a "Special Occasion Permit” regardless of whether the alcohol is sold or offered free of charge.

When you are planning for your special event determine the number of people that will attend as rules change depending upon the number of guests (fewer than 5,000 people or more than 5,000 people). The timelines as prescribed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission are 30 days before the event if fewer than 5,000 people or 60 days before the event if greater than 5,000 people.

A letter must be sent to the Municipality (City Clerk’s Office) requesting permission from Council to hold public events. Details on the event such as but not limited to date, location and times must be provided.

Both public and private outdoor events must send notification letters to the Clerk's Office, Stratford Police Services, the Fire Department, and the Perth District Health Unit. If a tent, marquee, pavilion or tiered seating is being used, the Building Department must also be notified in writing along with a detailed sketch.

Please note there are fees for the letter of approval from the Fire Department and there are varying prices for tent permits as they depend on the size of the tent.

All events held on municipal property are required to abide by and provide a signed copy of the Municipal Alcohol Policy. Jump down to Events with Alcohol in City Facilities section for more information.

Contacts:

**if event includes tent or bleachers.

Find out more by visiting the Alcohol and Gaming Commissions website regarding Special Occasion Permits.

The City of Stratford has adopted a "Municipal Alcohol Policy" addressing alcohol in City Facilities. Requirements specific to the facility and/or park are identified and individuals must meet these conditions in addition to applying for a "Special Occasion Permit".

When you rent a City facility there will be a package of information available with the rental information outlining rules for serving alcohol in City Facilities. For list of facilities and contacts, visit the Facilities page.

To review the City's Municipal Alcohol Policy please click here.

There is a process where business owners wishing to serve and sell alcohol inside their building or on an outdoor patio must apply to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The Municipality becomes involved as they must sign off the form that is referred to as a "Municipal Information Form".

You should contact the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for information on this form if you have questions or you can access the form from the link below. This process takes 10 to 12 weeks as a number of approvals are required.

Please note that changing owners of the business, adding a patio and/or renewing the licence requires further contact with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

The owner of the business, after completing the Municipal Information Form, must submit it along with the required fee to the City Clerk's Department.

The current fee is:

Clerk's staff will advise you when you submit your Municipal Information Form whether you need a Business Licence. In the event that you require a licence you will be provided with the application form and information on requirements and applicable fees. City staff will forward it to the various departments for approval.

Once the Clerk's Department receives all the comments, they complete the Municipal Information Form and forward to City Council for their information and possible direction. Once received from Council, Clerk's staff will forward the documentation directly to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission, with a copy being sent to the applicant.

Note: if the building is not completed and/or renovations are not finished the Alcohol and Gaming Commission is advised along with the applicant. Further follow-up with the accompanying departments (ie inspections) for final sign-off is the responsibility of the applicant.

There may be a fee for the approval letters from the other departments and agencies.

Contacts:

View the Alcohol and Gaming Commissions website regarding the Municipal Information Form.

Municipal Information Letter