{"id":10365,"date":"2025-10-14T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/?p=10365"},"modified":"2025-10-10T14:10:20","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T18:10:20","slug":"how-to-get-a-liquor-license-in-ontario","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/how-to-get-a-liquor-license-in-ontario\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a Liquor License in Ontario"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re planning to open a business where alcohol is being sold or served \u2014 whether it\u2019s a restaurant, bar, brewery, or even a one-day event \u2014 a liquor license is required. In Ontario, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agco.ca\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO)<\/a> handles all liquor licensing. The type of license you apply for depends on how and where alcohol is being sold. This includes everything from serving drinks at a wedding to running a storefront brewery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what you need to know before you apply, including the steps involved, documents required, and how to avoid delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get a Liquor License in Ontario<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting a liquor license is one of those steps that can seem complicated, but once you know what\u2019s needed, it becomes a lot more manageable. In Ontario, the AGCO is the organization that issues these licenses, and the type you apply for depends on what you\u2019re doing with the alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose the Right License Type<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There isn\u2019t just one liquor license. You\u2019ll want to make sure you\u2019re applying for the one that fits your business:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you\u2019re running a <strong>restaurant or bar<\/strong>, you\u2019ll likely need a <strong>Liquor Sales Licence<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re holding a <strong>one-time event<\/strong>, like a wedding or fundraiser, a <strong>Special Occasion Permit<\/strong> is probably what you\u2019re after<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re <strong>manufacturing alcohol<\/strong> (like brewing beer or making wine), there\u2019s a different license altogether<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re <strong>delivering alcohol<\/strong> on behalf of a retailer, that\u2019s another type<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each license comes with its own set of requirements, so it\u2019s important to get clear on this before starting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make Sure You\u2019re Eligible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you apply, you\u2019ll need to make sure a few things are in place:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You\u2019re at least 19 years old<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019ve registered your business (<em>Sole Proprietorship<\/em>, <em>Corporation<\/em>, <em>or General Partnership)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019ve got a proper business location in Ontario<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The zoning allows for alcohol sales<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You and any business partners or directors don\u2019t have a criminal record that could raise concerns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll also need to make sure someone in the business has completed <em>Smart Serve<\/em> training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gather What You\u2019ll Need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve picked the right license and made sure your business is eligible, you can start gathering your documents. This might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A floor plan of the business (for bars or restaurants)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of zoning and municipal approval<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Articles of Incorporation or <em>Business Name Registration<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smart Serve certificates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal history forms (for owners\/directors)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lease or property documents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having these ready can save you weeks of delays later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Apply Through the AGCO<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The application process is done online through the AGCO. Each type of license has its own form, and fees range depending on what you\u2019re applying for. Some are under $200, while others can be well over $2,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll also be expected to post a notice at your location and possibly wait for an inspection before the license is issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Long Does It Take?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a standard <em>Liquor Sales Licence<\/em>, it\u2019s usually around <strong>6 to 12 weeks<\/strong> from start to finish. <em>Special Occasion Permits<\/em> are faster \u2014 often within <strong>10 to 15 business days<\/strong>. <em>Manufacturer&#8217;s Licences<\/em> take longer and may involve more site inspections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/start-a-business-options.php\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"524\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/start-a-business-8.webp\" alt=\"Ready to Register Your Business?\nRegister a sole proprietorship or incorporate online in minutes.\" class=\"wp-image-8376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/start-a-business-8.webp 1000w, https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/start-a-business-8-300x157.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/start-a-business-8-768x402.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Much Does a Liquor License Cost in Ontario?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cost of a liquor license depends on the type you&#8217;re applying for. Here&#8217;s a general idea:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Special Occasion Permits (SOPs)<\/em>: Around $150 to $300, depending on the type of event and duration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Liquor Sales License<\/em>: Application fee starts at about $1,055<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Manufacturer\u2019s License<\/em>: Can range from $2,000 to over $10,000 depending on capacity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Delivery Service License<\/em>: Approx. $1,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always refer to the AGCO\u2019s fee schedule for the most current pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do Liquor License Requirements Change by Location?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. While the AGCO issues licenses for the entire province, your <strong>local municipality<\/strong> still plays a major role. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In <strong>Toronto<\/strong>, zoning approvals may take longer and some areas have alcohol restrictions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In <strong>smaller towns<\/strong>, the process may be quicker but still requires formal municipal consent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Each municipality may ask for different supporting documents (floor plans, fire code, health unit sign-offs)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make sure to contact your local business licensing department before submitting your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Applying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are a few common issues that can slow down or derail your liquor license application:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Not having the proper zoning or municipal approvals in place<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Missing Smart Serve certification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Incomplete application forms or missing documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forgetting to post public notification signage (required for Liquor Sales License)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not submitting required background details for directors or owners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Taking the time to prepare can prevent a lot of back-and-forth with the AGCO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before You Apply: Final Checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s a quick checklist to go over before you start your liquor license application:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2705 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/forms\/business-registration.php\">Your business is registered in Ontario<br><\/a>\u2705 You know which type of license you need<br>\u2705 You have the required municipal approvals<br>\u2705 You or your staff have completed <a href=\"https:\/\/smartserve.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Smart Serve<br><\/a>\u2705 All your documents are ready to upload (floor plans, leases, business ID, etc.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Going through this list first can save you time and frustration during the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ \u2013 Liquor Licensing in Ontario<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need to register my business before applying for a liquor license?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. You\u2019ll need to have a registered business in Ontario before you apply. This can be a <em>Sole Proprietorship<\/em>, <em>Partnership<\/em>, or <em>Corporation<\/em>. The AGCO will ask for proof of this in your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Smart Serve and who needs it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Smart Serve<\/em> is a training program required for anyone who sells or serves alcohol in Ontario. It\u2019s a one-time certification and is mandatory for all staff handling alcohol, including owners and managers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I use someone else\u2019s liquor license if I buy an existing bar or restaurant?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Liquor licenses are not transferable in Ontario. If you take over a licensed business, you\u2019ll need to apply for a new license in your name or your business\u2019s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s the fastest license to get?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re just holding a one-day event, a <em>Special Occasion Permit<\/em> is the fastest \u2014 usually processed in under two weeks. Other licenses, like sales or manufacturing, take longer due to inspections and approvals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I\u2019m unsure which license I need?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re not sure, start by registering your business. Once that\u2019s done, it\u2019s easier to speak with the AGCO or get guidance on which license fits your situation. Our team can help get your business registered and point you in the right direction from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ready to Get Started With Your Liquor License?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you&#8217;re opening a new restaurant or planning an event, we can help you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/start-a-business-options.php\">register your business<\/a> first \u2014 the step you need to take before applying for a license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"&#x6d;&#97;&#x69;&#x6c;&#116;&#x6f;&#58;i&#x6e;&#113;u&#x69;&#114;i&#x65;&#115;&#64;&#x6f;&#110;&#x74;&#x61;&#114;&#x69;&#x6f;&#98;&#x75;&#115;i&#x6e;&#101;s&#x73;&#99;e&#x6e;&#116;r&#x61;&#108;&#x2e;&#x63;&#97;\">inqu&#105;&#114;&#105;&#101;&#115;&#x40;&#x6f;&#x6e;&#x74;&#x61;&#x72;&#x69;obus&#105;&#110;&#101;&#115;&#115;&#x63;&#x65;&#x6e;&#x74;&#x72;&#x61;&#x6c;&#x2e;ca<\/a><br>Toll-Free: 1-800-280-1913<br>Local: 1-416-599-9009<br>Fax: 1-866-294-4363<br>Office Hours: 9:00am \u2013 5:00pm<br>Monday \u2013 Friday E.S.T.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Ontario Business Central Inc. is not a law firm and cannot provide a legal opinion or advice. This information is to assist you in understanding the requirements of registration within the chosen jurisdiction. It is always recommended, when you have legal or accounting questions that you speak to a qualified professional.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re planning to open a business where alcohol is being sold or served \u2014&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":10366,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[97],"tags":[180,169,179,134,177],"class_list":["post-10365","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-startup-guides-tips","tag-business-planning","tag-how-to-guide","tag-new-business-owners","tag-ontario","tag-service-based-business"],"rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/business-owner-craft-beer.webp",1150,767,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/business-owner-craft-beer.webp",1150,767,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/business-owner-craft-beer.webp",1150,767,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/business-owner-craft-beer-150x150.webp",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/business-owner-craft-beer-300x200.webp",300,200,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/business-owner-craft-beer-1024x683.webp",1024,683,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/business-owner-craft-beer.webp",1150,767,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/business-owner-craft-beer.webp",1150,767,false],"obc-archive-card":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/business-owner-craft-beer-720x405.webp",720,405,true],"obc-archive-card-2x":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/business-owner-craft-beer.webp",1150,767,false],"obc-archive":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/business-owner-craft-beer-960x540.webp",960,540,true],"obc-archive-2x":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/business-owner-craft-beer.webp",1150,767,false],"rt_custom":["https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/business-owner-craft-beer.webp",1150,767,false]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Laura Harvey","author_link":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/author\/laura-harvey\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/category\/starting-a-business\/startup-guides-tips\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Startup Guides &amp; Tips<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"If you&#8217;re planning to open a business where alcohol is being sold or served \u2014...","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10365","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10365"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10365\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10374,"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10365\/revisions\/10374"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10365"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}