Municipal Alcohol Management Policy

Legislative History: Enacted March 3, 2026 (By-law No. CPOL.-415-79)

Last Review Date: March 3, 2026

Service Area Lead: Risk Management, Legal Services

1. Policy Statement

1.1   The Corporation of the City of London (“City”) owns and manages premises where alcohol consumption is permitted under the authority of the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (Act) and its regulations. The City has developed the Municipal Alcohol Management Policy (“Policy”) to help mitigate alcohol-related problems, including the risk of sexual violence, that may arise from alcohol consumption within its facilities, to promote responsible drinking and smart alcohol service practices, and to assist in ensuring a safe, enjoyable environment for all users of these premises. 

1.2   The purpose of this Policy is to provide direction for the sale, service, and consumption of alcohol on municipal premises.

1.3   The Policy is not meant to provide legal advice. The Policy is subject to and should be referenced in conjunction with all applicable legislation, including the Act and its regulations. Where there is an inconsistency between this Policy and an applicable statute or regulation, the latter shall take precedence.

2. Definitions

2.1   Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) - The provincial agency responsible for the administration of the Act, which regulates the sale, service, and consumption of alcohol while promoting moderation and responsible use.

2.2   Caterer’s Endorsement - A Caterer’s Endorsement is an add-on to a liquor sales licence which is issued by the AGCO and authorizes the licensee to sell and serve liquor for an event held on premises other than the premises to which the liquor sales licence applies.

2.3   City - The Corporation of the City of London.

2.4   Disruptive Individual - A Disruptive Individual is any person whose behavior—whether influenced by alcohol or not—poses a threat to the safety, well‑being, or comfort of others, interferes with event operations, or involves intimidation, verbal aggression, physical aggression, property damage, or refusal to comply with staff directions.

2.5   Event - Any gathering held at municipal premises at which alcohol will be served and/or sold. The duration of the Event includes setup, operation and cleanup.

2.6   Event Coordinator - A member of the City’s staff who acts as a facilitator for Events on City property and supports Event Operators to coordinate the rental and operation of Events.

2.7   Event Operator - An individual, business, or organization that enters into a facility rental agreement with the City for the purpose of implementing an Event on municipal premises.

2.8   Event Operator Designate - A designate is a person(s) appointed by the Event Organizer and who is acceptable to the City. The Event Operator Designate must be 19 years of age or over and who has satisfactorily proven to the Event Organizer that they will act in accordance with this Policy. The Event Operator can identify a designate to be present at the Event when the Event Organizer is unable to attend.

2.9   Event Worker - Any paid/volunteer person who is involved in safe alcohol service at an Event. Event Workers must be 19 years of age or over and be either Smart Serve trained. Event Workers may include the following positions related to safe alcohol service:

(a) Floor worker - Talks with participants, monitors patron behavior, monitors for intoxication and underage drinkers, responds to problems and complaints, notifies the Event Organizer and security personnel of any potential problems and of individuals showing signs of intoxication, assists door monitors when necessary, promotes safe transportation options, arranges safe transportation.

(b) Door monitor - Monitors attendance and limits entry to the venue nearing capacity to ensure capacity is not exceeded, checks for signs of intoxication, denies admission to Disruptive Individuals, denies admission to uninvited individuals for private events, monitors for those showing signs of intoxication when leaving the Event and arranges safe transportation, promotes safe transportation options, notifies event organizer and security personnel of any potential problems and of individuals showing signs of intoxication. Will check identification as required. Will provide wrist bands as required.

(c) Licenced Security – Security personnel must be licenced in accordance with the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005. Security personnel are responsible for monitoring entrances and patrolling licenced areas and parking lots to monitor the safety and security of the establishment, its employees and patrons. They stop patrons from taking alcohol out of the licenced area, help in handling disturbances, and notify the event organizer and event staff of potential incidents. They may also terminate the Event should it be determined there is a risk to public safety or the facility.

(d) Server/bartender – Checks identification, accepts payment or tickets for the purchase of alcoholic drinks, serves drinks, monitors for intoxication and underage drinkers, refuses service when patron appears to be intoxicated or near intoxication, offers non-alcoholic beverages as a substitute, and co-ordinates with Event Coordinator. Notifies a floor worker when patrons may need safe transportation options.

(e) Ticket seller - Sells drink tickets to guests and monitors for underage drinkers and intoxication and refuses to sell to patrons at or near intoxication. May check identification depending on the nature of the Event. May issue wrist bands at certain events.

Any Event Worker roles may be amended or changed at the sole discretion of the City based on the event risk assessment.

2.10   Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (Act) - Legislation regarding the sales and consumption of alcohol in Ontario.

2.11   Liquor Sales Licence - A licence issued by the AGCO to allow the sale and service of liquor to the public for on-site consumption.

2.12   Municipal Premises - All municipally owned or leased facilities and lands, excluding those leased by the City to a third party.

2.13   Permit Holder - An individual, 19 years of age or over, who holds a Special Occasion Permit, a Caterer’s Endorsement or Liquor Sales Licence for the purpose of selling and/or serving alcohol on Municipal Premises. The Permit Holder is responsible for the operation of an event at which alcohol will be served and/or sold. This includes, but is not limited to, the safety and sobriety of the people attending the Event as well as compliance with this Policy and the Act and its regulations, at the Event.

2.14   Facility Rental Agreement - A written agreement between the City and the Event Operator for the purpose of booking Municipal Premises for private or public use.

2.15   Smart Serve - The program offered by Smart Serve Ontario, designed to train staff and volunteers who work in areas where alcohol is sold and/or served. The Smart Serve Training Program and The Server Intervention Program certification are the only server training programs recognized by the AGCO and approved by this Policy. 

2.16   Special Occasion Permit - A permit issued by the AGCO for one-time social events where alcohol will be sold and/or served. All Special Occasion Permits (SOPs) are managed and controlled by the AGCO and not the City. SOPs may be issued for two types of events, as defined by the AGCO: 

(a) Private Event - An event where only invited guests will attend. The event cannot be advertised and there can be no intent to gain or profit from the sale of alcohol at the event.

(b) Public Event - An event open to the public to attend and conducted by a registered charity or not-for-profit entity or an event of municipal, provincial, national or international significance. The event can be advertised and allow for fundraising/profit from the sale of alcohol. 

The events described above can be held indoors and/or outdoors (including pavilions and temporary structures). 

For further information regarding the types and classes of special occasion permits, please refer to the AGCO website.

2.17   Third Party Caterer’s Endorsement - Any caterer other than the City’s Food Services that holds a Liquor Sales Licence with a Caterer’s Endorsement.

2.18   Temporary Physical Outdoor Extension - Licensees holding a valid Liquor Sales License in the City of London can apply for a temporary patio adjacent to the licensed premises. The extension is subject to the City’s approval and notification to the AGCO of such approval (including its duration and any conditions of approval).

3. Applicability

3.1   This Policy applies to all events held on Municipal Premises in which alcohol is served and/or sold.

3.2   This Policy outlines various stipulations and controls for events involving alcohol, including events with a Special Occasion Permit, liquor licenced events under a Third Party Caterer's Endorsement, including Temporary Outdoor Extension of a Liquor Sales License, and events with liquor service under the City’s Liquor Sales Licence, including the City’s Caterer’s Endorsement. Other stipulations and controls may be added depending on the details of the Event.

3.3   This Policy should be read in conjunction with the City’s related manuals (as outlined below in Section 4.7), as well as the requirements of the AGCO, and any relevant and/or applicable legislation, including the Act and its regulations.

4. The Policy

4.1   Areas Designated for the Conditional Use of Alcohol

Alcohol may only be served in/on Municipal Premises that are licenced by the Act or when a SOP is issued to a Permit Holder by the AGCO. Certain types of events are not deemed appropriate for serving alcohol (e.g., Children’s Festival). The City reserves the right to refuse an Event Operator or Permit Holder permission to run a licenced event on its property.

Events may be hosted on Municipal Premises if City approval has been issued for the Event. Event Coordinator will review all requests to hold an Event at a Municipal Premises to determine if it is an appropriate location for such an Event and explicitly designate where alcohol service and consumption is and is not permitted. 

The City’s decision criteria include:

• Nature of the proposed Event (e.g., Public vs Private Events, Events targeted to individuals under 19 years of age).
• Location of the proposed Event.
• Duration and hours of the proposed Event.
• Impact upon neighboring properties and other facility users.
• Projected number of participants at the Event.
• Public safety considerations for participants and City staff.
• Proximity to public transportation services.
• Adequate availability of space, parking and washrooms.
• Adequate availability of water and electrical supply. 

The City has the final authority to determine site setup requirements and approvals for Events.

4.2   Alcohol Service Options

The City recognizes four different alcohol service options for Municipal Premises considered suitable for an Event:

• Alcohol service provided by the City’s Food Services under the City’s Liquor Sales Licence, including its Caterer’s Endorsement;
• Alcohol service provided by a Third Party Caterer’s Endorsement; and
• Alcohol service under a SOP.
• Alcohol service under a Temporary Physical Outdoor Extension of a Liquor Sales Licence

4.3   Roles and Responsibilities

This section outlines many of the roles and responsibilities of the Permit Holder, Designate Event Operator, and Event Workers. These roles and responsibilities are not limited to those included below. 

Permit Holder and Designate Event Operator

The Permit Holder and Designate Event Operator must: 

• Be 19 years of age or older.
• Attend for the entire duration of the Event.
• Not consume alcoholic beverages while working at the Event.
• Comply with the AGCO, this Policy, the SOP, Liquor Sale Licence, Catering Endorsement, any City Permit and all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Act and its regulations.
• Assume responsibility for all decisions regarding the operation of the Event.
• Organize, plan, set up for and clean up after the Event.
• Use Event Workers who are certified under an AGCO-approved server training program (i.e., Smart Serve) and provide a list of Event Workers who have completed training to City staff.
• Be familiar with Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines and promote these Guidelines in training sessions with Event Workers.
• Be familiar with Health Canada's caution statement 'Do not mix with alcohol' that appears on the label of caffeinated energy drink cans.
• Raise awareness of Health Canada's caution statement with Bartenders.
• Ensure sufficient number of Door Monitors to adequately control all access points to the Event.
• Ensure Floor Monitors, when required, are not unreasonably distracted during the performance of their duties.
• Ensure that Event Workers are clearly visible by wearing identifiable clothing (e.g., hat or T-shirt) or identity badges.
• Post the SOP or Caterer’s Endorsement in a visible location on the premises to which the City Permit applies or have it readily available for inspection.
• Ensure alcohol consumption does not occur in unauthorized locations.
• Ensure the safety of people attending the Event, including those who are removed from the Event.
• Organize and plan for safe transportation options (e.g., designated drivers, taxis).
• Respond to emergencies in accordance with the Event Operator’s Emergency Management Plan (if applicable).
• Report any incidents to City staff within 48 hours of the incident.
• Ensure that the levy receipt for liquor purchased, if any, is readily available for inspection.
• Not require a person to purchase a minimum number of drinks in order to gain entry to, or remain on, the premises to which the permit applies.
• Provide security sufficient to ensure that unauthorized persons do not attend the Event and to ensure that the conditions of the permit and statutory requirements are observed.
• Ensure that permitted Premises are readily distinguishable from adjacent premises to which the permit does not apply.
• Maintain records relating to the purchase and sale of liquor in accordance with the requirements of the AGCO.
• Provide access to free water for all Event attendees.

In addition, it is recommended that Permit Holder and/or Event Operator allow community-based organizations to provide substance use prevention and harm reduction information and/or outreach support at Events as needed. London & Middlesex Health Unit can provide contact information for organizations that provide this type of service.

Event Workers 

Event Workers, including Bartenders, Ticket Sellers, Door Monitors and Floor Monitors, have a range of roles and responsibilities, as appropriate to their position. These roles and responsibilities are specified in Table 1.

Table 1: Event Workers

Event Supervision and Security 

City staff, in consultation with the Event Operator and Permit Holder, will determine the number of Event Workers that may be required. 

Table 2 below provides a suggested ratio of Event Workers according to the number of event participants. This is intended as a guide only. The City reserves the right to adjust the minimum Event Worker to guest ratio on an event-by-event basis.

The number of Event Workers required for each Event may vary, considering the nature and location of the Event, the expected attendance, and if applicable, the type of bar, venue, etc.

Table 2: Suggested number of Event Workers

Please Note: At the discretion of City staff, professional security services and/or pay-duty police may be required at the Event or at access points of licensed bar areas, at the Event Operator's expense.

Sale of Alcohol and Serving Practices

Alcohol shall not be served to anyone under the age of 19. Minors are not permitted to consume alcohol.

Discounts will not be offered for volume purchase of tickets when tickets are sold for alcoholic beverages. Drinking pricing must comply with AGCO requirements.

Alcohol service shall be limited to two (2) drinks per person at one time.

No patrons will be permitted to bring their own alcohol to the Event or allowed to pour their own alcoholic drinks. All drinks will be poured and made by a bartender, and there will be no “self-serving” options, except for wine on tables for a formal dinner.

Bar Operation 

The bar should be in an area that allows Event Workers to see and monitor Event participants while they are consuming alcohol. 

Outdoor licenced bar areas must be clearly defined and readily distinguishable from the unlicenced area.

All bottles must remain in the bar area. For safety reasons, drinks must be served in plastic or paper cups or non-breakable containers. Exceptions to these requirements may be permitted at the discretion of City staff. Alcohol sale and service must end at least 30 minutes before the bar closure time specified on the City Permit or SOP or Caterer’s Endorsement, whichever is earlier. 

There must be no last call for the bar. Last call usually encourages high and rapid consumption of alcohol and results in high blood alcohol levels just as the Event is ending, which may lead to impaired driving. 

Guests cannot be required to purchase a minimum number of drinks (or drink tickets) to enter or remain at the Event.

The bar must close at the time indicated by Rental Agreement (no later than 12 a.m.) or on the SOP or Caterer’s Endorsement, whichever is earlier.

Sale, service and consumption of alcohol may only take place during the hours specified on the permit in accordance with the requirements of the AGCO and the Act and its regulations. 

Food and Beverages 

Practices which encourage the increased consumption of alcohol are not allowed. Specifically, oversize drinks, double shots, drinks containing more than 85ml of spirits, pitchers of beer, drinking contests, "free-pouring" and volume discounts are not allowed. 

The City requests that Permit Holder and Event Operator consider not selling and/or not distributing caffeinated energy drinks with alcohol.

Non-alcoholic beverages must be available either at no charge or at a cost of less than half the price of the lowest-priced alcoholic beverage. 

The Event Operator and Permit Holder will make arrangements so that event participants have unrestricted access to a supply of water, at no charge. Event Operator and Permit Holder are required to promote the availability of fresh drinking water to patrons and indicate clearly where the water stations are. 

The Event Operator and Permit Holder must provide and encourage the consumption of food. Additional permits and permissions may be required for the service of food. 

Drink Monitoring System 

All Events must implement a drink monitoring system to ensure patrons do not drink to the point intoxication. Monitoring consumption is more effective than relying solely on visible signs of intoxication. Event Workers must remain vigilant and avoid unreasonable distractions to maintain an effective drink monitoring system.

Safe Transportation 

The Event Operator and Permit Holder must make provisions for the safe transportation of any intoxicated participants leaving the Event and promote safe transportation options for Event participants who consume alcohol. The risk of injury and liability is high when an impaired driver leaves an Event where alcohol is served. Intoxicated patrons can injure themselves and others even if they are walking or cycling. It is important for Event Operator and Permit Holder to be alert to the possibility of these events occurring.

Safe transportation options help to reduce and prevent risks of harm and liability. These options include:

• Having a designated driver program in place (including advertising of such a program at the Event).
• Providing free non-alcoholic drinks for designated drivers.
• Requesting that a sober friend or relative assist a potentially intoxicated person.
• Promoting the use of taxis or public transportation if the individual is adequately able to care for him or herself.
• Providing taxi chits or transit tokens (or equivalent) if the individual is adequately able to care for him or herself.
• Event Workers shall call the Police should an apparently intoxicated patron attempt to drive a vehicle.

The Event Operator and/or Permit Holder must remain on the premises for the duration of the Event.

Signage 

In addition to any signage required by law, including the Act and its regulations, the City requires that the Event Organizer and Permit Holder post the following information near each bar and ticket counter area: 

• The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19. You cannot drink any alcoholic beverages at this event if you are under 19 years of age.
• If you appear to be under 25 years of age, the bartender, other Event Worker or City staff can request Proof of Age Identification, such as an approved government-issued photo I.D. card.
• At any one time, you may only be served a maximum of two drinks.
• It is against the law for bartenders, servers or participants to provide alcohol to anyone who is, or appears to be, intoxicated.
• You can purchase alcohol until one half hour before the bar closes. There will be no "last call".
• Thank you for not drinking and driving. The RIDE program is in effect in our community. Use a designated driver or call a friend, relative or taxi. Outline safe transportation options and access information.
• Restricted (alcohol ineligible) areas (i.e., No Alcohol Beyond this Point).
• WARNING: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects and brain damage to your baby. (Note: This sign is available from the AGCO website.) 

The Event Operator and Permit Holder may also post signage to let patrons know where they can go to seek help if they experience harm or feel unsafe at the Event (e.g., sexual violence). To request such signage from the City, please email arao@london.ca. 

In addition, the Event Operator and Permit Holder should promote messages such as the importance of staying hydrated, and that free water is available to help with that, while clearly indicating where drinking water stations are located.

Advertising

Events that are sponsored by alcohol manufacturers must include messages about the responsible consumption of alcohol.        All advertising must be conducted in accordance with the guidelines issued by the AGCO.

4.4       Compliance & Enforcement Procedures

Entry and Control Policies

The Permit Holder and Event Workers shall only accept valid, current identification that is issued by a government which includes the person’s photograph and date of birth. The common form of identification includes: a driver’s licence, photo card issued under the Photo Card Act, Permanent Resident Card, passport, and Canadian Armed Forces Identification card. Please consult the AGCO’s website for further information regarding the types of valid identification. 

Entry must be denied to intoxicated or unruly individuals, individuals carrying alcoholic beverages, and individuals previously turned away from the Event. The Event Operator and Permit Holder shall ensure that the Server/Bartenders do not serve alcohol to underage, intoxicated, rowdy or unauthorized people at the Event.

Capacity

The Event Operator and Permit Holder is responsible to ensure that the maximum capacity of patrons attending an Event are observed in accordance with the requirements established by the AGCO and the specific Municipal Premises. It is the responsibility of the Event Operator and Permit Holder to ensure these capacities are correct and are not exceeded during the Event.

Accountability

The Event Operator and Permit Holder shall post a sign, provided or approved by the City, stating the name of the SOP holder, Liquor Licence holder or Caterer’s Endorsement holder and the telephone numbers for the designated City staff and the AGCO.

Procedures for Dealing with Intoxicated or Disruptive Individuals

Illegal consumption of alcohol on Municipal Premises will result in a call to the police. This includes any consumption of alcohol outside of designated areas by guests attending an Event where alcohol is being served. 

Event Workers should be trained on how to deal with a Disruptive Individual, if a patron is proving to be disruptive, confrontational, or violent, the police should be called. If intoxicated individuals insist on driving, or become violent and unsafe, the police should be called, and an incident report by the Event Operator and Permit Holder should be completed.

To encourage patrons not to drink and drive, free access to a phone should be made available to persons wishing to call a taxi and the telephone number of a taxi company should be prominently displayed.

Duty to Report

The Event Operator and Permit Holder has the duty to report to the City any issues, along with details of any incident, where: 

• The Event Operator and Permit Holder are aware of or has been made aware of any Act or Policy violations.
• Where an AGCO Inspector under the Act has made a report on any incident or violation or visited the Event for inspection.
• Bodily injury or property damage has occurred.
• Police and/or emergency responders have been called to the Event.
• Incidents of sexual violence (includes physical sexual violence and sexual harassment) 

Police shall be informed by the Event Operator and Permit Holder. Reports shall be made no later than 48 hours after the incident but shall be made immediately when repairs or other action is required to make Municipal Premises secure or safe for use. The City may report any infraction of this Policy to the police and/or AGCO whenever they believe such action is required. The Event Operator and/or Permit Holder may be asked to complete a security incident report form.

4.5   Enforcement Procedures for Policy Violation

The City reserves the right to cancel the Event if there is a failure to comply with the Policy at any point during pre-event planning. 

The City may also cancel, intervene or terminate the Event for violations of the Policy during the Event.

A member of the organizing group(s) or the designated monitor(s) may intervene by informing the offending individual of the Policy violation and asking that it stop. Group members and monitors are encouraged to intervene in this way because intervention at other levels could result in a loss of privileges and legal charges.

Regardless of the reason for the cancellation or termination of the Event, the City will not be responsible for any compensation to the Event Operator, Permit Holder or affected persons of their resulting financial or other losses. The Event Operator and Permit Holder will be responsible for any costs not covered by insurance.

4.6   General Requirements

Notification

The Event Operator and Permit Holder must provide written notice to the City prior to an Event in accordance with the requirements established by the AGCO. The timelines for providing such notice to the City is as follows:

• 30 days before the Event if fewer than 5,000 people are expected to attend; or
• 60 days before the Event if 5,000 or more people are expected to attend.

Conditions for the Use of Alcohol in City Facilities

The Event Operator must obtain a SOP or hold a Third-Party Caterer’s Endorsement. The Event Operator and Permit Holder must comply with the AGCO, this Policy, the SOP or Caterer’s Endorsement, City permits, and all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the Act and its regulations.

Renting Municipal Premises 

All renters of Municipal Premises are required to enter into a Facility Rental Contract or Special Event Application. A Facility Rental Contract or Special Event Application to use Municipal Premises for an Event where alcohol may be served should be initiated a minimum of 90 days in advance of the Event. 

Insurance Requirements

The Event Operator and Permit Holder must submit an original Certificate of Insurance to the Event Coordinator at least 30 days in advance of occupying Municipal Premises for the Event.

Purchase of insurance can be arranged through the City’s Event Coordinator.

If not arranged through the City of London, the Certificate of insurance must be issued on the City of London’s Standard Form

The Certificate of insurance must be in effect for the date(s) where Municipal Premises are being used or occupied by the event organizer including, without limitation, the time period for set-up and take-down. Failure to provide proof of insurance will void the rental. 

The Certificate of Liability insurance provided to the Event Coordinator must include the following: 

• Policy number
• Company name and broker contact information
• Expiry date
• Coverage type and amount of Insurance coverage
• The Corporation of the City of London shown as an additional insured to the Policy
• Coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability
• Liquor Liability endorsement (for serving alcohol at an Event)
• Host Liquor Liability endorsement (for hosting an Event with alcohol)
• Tenants Liability endorsement
• Products and Completed Operations Liability
• Personal Injury Liability
• Advertiser’s Liability
• Cross Liability and Severability of Interest Provision
• 30 Day Notice of Cancellation Provision 

The City reserves the right to amend the insurance requirements and provisions at any time depending on, without limitation, such things as event size and risk assessment. It is the responsibility of the Event Operator and Permit Holder to review all potential operations and exposures to determine if the coverage and limits noted below are sufficient to address all insurance related exposures presented for the Event since the Permit Holder and/or Permit Holder shall indemnify and save harmless the City. The City will also be added to said policy as an Additional Insured.

The Certificate of Liability insurance shall include proof of a minimum of $5 million Commercial General Liability Insurance.

4.7   Policy Review

This Policy will be reviewed on a biennial basis in accordance with the Policy for the Establishment and Maintenance of Council Policies. 

4.8   Related Resources

This Policy should be read and applied with the following related resources as updated from time to time:

• Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
• Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines
• Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019
• Middlesex London Health Unit
• Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005
• Special Events Policy
• Special Events Administrative Procedures Manual
• Designation of Municipally Significant Events Policy