As the Event Organizer, you must be nineteen (19) years of age and have been trained in a recognized alcohol server training course such as the Smart Serve® program or another course approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). You are also responsible for arranging reliable and qualified individuals to act as Event Workers at the event. Event Workers must also be nineteen (19) years of age and possess alcohol server training. For further information on obtaining Smart Serve® training, please visit the Smart Serve® Ontario website.
At the time of booking, you will receive the EVENT ORGANIZER'S CHECKLIST. This form is to be used to record the names and Smart Serve® certification numbers of all Event Workers. This form must be completed and submitted to your host location a minimum of fourteen (14) days prior to your event.
Bartenders and Servers
Bartenders and Servers accept tickets for the purchase of drinks, serve those drinks, and generally manage the handling and distribution of all alcoholic beverages. They are responsible to monitor guests for intoxication and refusing service when necessary. Bartenders and Servers play a vital role and should maintain communication with you and other Event Workers through the course of the event.
Door Monitors
Door Monitors oversee entrances and exits and perform the key role of checking identification of guests that appear to be under twenty-five (25) years of age. They also ensure that intoxicated or unruly individuals, persons possessing alcohol and those previously turned away from the event are not admitted. Door Monitors are also responsible to monitor for those showing signs of intoxication when leaving the event and, if necessary, arranging safe transportation. The City may require professional Security Workers or paid-duty police officers at the event to compliment this aspect.
Floor Supervisors and Ticket Sellers
Floor Supervisors monitor guest behaviour to ensure everyone abides by the rules and does not become a danger to themselves or others. These individuals respond to any problems or complaints and assist in managing a guest who is refused sale or needs to be removed from the event.
Ticket Sellers help ensure responsible alcohol consumption by limiting the number of drink tickets sold to each guest, monitor for underage drinkers and assist by refusing sale to those who appear to be at or near intoxication.
The number of Event Workers and the associated roles required for your event is dependent on the nature of the event as well as the anticipated attendance. Please refer to the Event Worker Staffing Levels document for further details.
Designate Replacement
As the Event Organizer, you are also the Special Occasion Permit Holder and the Rental Agreement Holder. As such, your attendance at the event is mandatory throughout it’s duration. However, in certain situations, you may wish to appoint a responsible designate replacement. Please indicate the name and contact information of your designate when completing the EVENT ORGANIZER'S CHECKLIST. Your designate must also sign the Special Occasion Permit (SOP) agreeing to accept the responsibilities and legal requirements that also apply to you. As the Event Organizer, you must ensure that your designate is informed and fully aware of all their responsibilities outlined in the Municipal Alcohol Policy (MAP) and all legal requirements. Your designate must be nineteen (19) years of age and possess alcohol server training.