So You Want to Open a Bar...For Your Wedding? Hold on There, Romeo!
Planning a wedding is exciting, but let's be honest, it can also turn you into a budgeting ninja. Between the venue, the dress that deserves its own zip code, and enough food to feed a small army, where does the booze even fit in? Fear not, lovebirds! There's a way to have your open bar and drink it too, but it's not quite like waltzing down the aisle to a liquor license office.
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| How Much Is A Liquor License In Ontario For A Wedding |
The Truth About Booze at Weddings: It's Not About Permission, It's About Permits
Forget the idea of a fancy "wedding liquor license" in Ontario. What you actually need is a Special Occasion Permit from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO, the folks who make sure nobody spikes the punch with something...interesting).
Here's the million-dollar question (well, not quite a million, but you get the idea):
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
How Much Does This Permit Cost, Anyway?
Hold onto your floral centerpieces, because this is the good news!
A Special Occasion Permit is way more affordable than a full-blown liquor license. We're talking in the range of $50 for a no-sale permit (perfect if you're just letting guests bring their own drinks) or $150 for a sale permit (if you plan on having a cash bar or charging by the drink).
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
That's a steal compared to the open bar dream, right?
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Important Note: These permit fees are for single-day events. So, if your wedding reception stretches into a second night, you'll need to apply for a permit for each day.
Tip: Review key points when done.
But Wait, There's More! (Because Weddings Rarely Go Exactly As Planned)
Just like your crazy Aunt Gertrude might show up in a hot pink jumpsuit, there are a few other things to keep in mind:
- Someone Responsible Needs to be Responsible: You can't just hand out drinks willy-nally. Ontario law requires that someone with a Smart Serve certificate be in charge of serving alcohol. This is basically a one-day course that teaches you all about responsible alcohol service.
- BYOB? Check with the Venue: Not all venues allow guests to bring their own booze, even with a permit. Make sure to double-check their policy before you stock up on enough wine for a vineyard.
Wedding booze on a budget? Achieved! Now, let's get this party started!
Wedding Booze Permit FAQs:
- How to Apply for a Special Occasion Permit? Head over to the AGCO website https://hellolcbo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3103/~/special-occasion-permit-%28sop%29-faqs for all the info and the online application process.
- How Long Does it Take to Get a Permit? Generally, it takes about 10 business days to process your application. Don't wait until the week before the wedding!
- How Much Alcohol Should I Buy for My Wedding? This is a tricky one! It depends on the number of guests, the duration of the event, and how much people typically drink. A good rule of thumb is to estimate one drink per guest per hour.
- Can I Hire a Bartender? Absolutely! This can be a great option if you want to avoid the responsibility of serving alcohol or if you plan on having a fancy cocktail menu.
- What Happens if I Don't Get a Permit and Serve Alcohol Anyway? Don't risk it! The AGCO can impose hefty fines for violating liquor laws.
Remember, a little planning goes a long way when it comes to wedding booze. With a Special Occasion Permit, you can keep the drinks flowing and the good times rolling without breaking the bank!
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
Now, go forth and celebrate (responsibly)!
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