Resources
Jump to section:
- Temporary Extension of Hours
- Special Occasion Permit
- Temporary Outdoor Extensions/Patios
- Map of Active Special Occasion Permits
Temporary Extension of Hours
If you have an existing liquor sales licence and are applying to the AGCO for a temporary extension of hours, you will need an endorsement and a letter of non-objection from the City of Toronto.
Criteria for the City’s Endorsement
- City Council authorized the City Clerk to process endorsements and letters of non-objection in consultation with the ward councillor(s) for the areas where your event is taking place if it is deemed to be municipally significant.
- an event should be deemed municipally significant, if, in the opinion of the ward councillor, an event:
- meets the criteria prescribed in the Delegation of Authority for the Endorsement of Liquor Licences, as confirmed by the City Clerk;
- has a positive cultural, social and/or economic impact on the local community;
- is considered to be in the public interest; and
- complies with any other factors a member considers relevant to their determination.
- Your event must be one of the following:
- a local live sports game
- a televised nationally- or internationally-recognized sports event in a different time zone
- an arts performance (including multi-event festivals and associated events)
- an event with special live performances throughout serving hours
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Exception: the City Clerk cannot endorse applications for the following:
- serving of alcohol indoors later than 4 AM
- amplified music or sound outdoors after 9 PM, including sound emanating from inside (directly from the establishment, does not apply to music or sound from an outdoor festival)
How to request the City’s Endorsement
- submit the following to the City Clerk’s Office, [email protected]
- completed application form
- letter of support from event partner(s)/sponsor(s)
Special Occasion Permit
A Special Occasion Permit is required any time liquor is offered for sale anywhere other than in a liquor licensed establishment. It is not intended for use for extensions of premises, including outdoor patios.
If you are applying to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for a Special Occasion Permit (SOP), you may need the City’s endorsement for your application (otherwise known as a declaration of municipal significance).
An event should be deemed municipally significant, if, in the opinion of the Councillor for the ward, an event:
- meets the criteria prescribed in the Delegation of Authority for the Endorsement of Liquor Licences, as confirmed by the City Clerk;
- has a positive cultural, social and/or economic impact on the local community;
- is considered to be in the public interest; and
- complies with any other factors a ward councillor considers relevant to their determination.
How to Request the City’s Endorsement
- Submit the following to the City Clerk’s Office by emailing [email protected]
- completed application form
- for outdoor events a site or floor plan indicating the area to be temporarily licensed with measurements
- supporting documents (cover letter, promotional materials etc.)
Helpful Links
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Special Occasion Permit Application Guide
Temporary Outdoor Extensions/Patios
As of January 1, 2023 the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has implemented new requirements for temporary outdoor extensions (temporary patios).
Establishments with an existing liquor sales or Tied House licence can apply to the City of Toronto to extend their licence to an outdoor patio if the proposed area is less than 10m from the existing licensed area and is operating May through October.
Patios being extended on private property must comply with applicable zoning by-laws.
Applications to extend liquor licences onto temporary patios on sidewalks/boulevards will be considered for community events and festivals, where a street closure is in place.
Applicants should note that this approval is to extend the existing liquor licence into a currently unlicensed area. This is not an approval from the City of Toronto for the use of additional/extended space. Contact your community event or festival organizer to obtain the necessary approval for extended outdoor patio space.
How to request the City’s Endorsement
- submit the following to the City Clerk’s Office, [email protected]
- completed application form
- cover letter describing the event if applicable
- site or floor plan/map indicating the area(s) to be temporarily licensed with measurements of the extended area
Criteria for the City’s Endorsement
- an event should be deemed municipally significant, if, in the opinion of the ward councillor, an event:
- meets the criteria prescribed in the Delegation of Authority for the Endorsement of Liquor Licences, as confirmed by the City Clerk;
- has a positive cultural, social and/or economic impact on the local community;
- is considered to be in the public interest; and
- complies with any other factors a member considers relevant to their determination.
- the request is related to a larger community event or festival with a street closure; or
- located on private property where they must comply with applicable zoning by-laws
- the extended licensed area is adjacent to (located 10m or less) to the existing licensed establishment
- liquor service is to start no earlier than 9 a.m. and end no later than 2 a.m. on major arterial roads and 11 p.m. on local roads
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Exception: the City Clerk cannot approve applications for the following:
- events with amplified music or sound outdoors after 9 PM, including sound emanating from inside (directly from the establishment, does not apply to music or sound from an outdoor festival)
Active Special Occasion Permits
The map below outlines the active Special Occasion Permits (temporary Liquor Licences) approved by my office. This map is published by my office and updated in real-time by the City of Toronto Municipal Licensing and Standards Division.
