Legislation and fees have been set by the Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission (AGLC) listing the appropriate license(s) you will need based on the type of event that you or your organization may be hosting.
The AGLC is committed to the responsible service and consumption of liquor products. To help liquor licensees and the public meet the social responsibility requirements set out in legislation, regulation and policy, the AGLC has developed a number of standards, guidelines, conditions and programs (mostly around service and training) to help you when choosing the appropriate application form for licensing your event.
Obtaining a license for your event requires planning and allowing yourself the time necessary to submit your application well in advance of your event.
Licenses are generally obtained from two sources – directly through the AGLC or through a local liquor establishment (with a Class D license). Certain types of event licenses can only be obtained through AGLC and not at the local liquor store where you are purchasing your liquor products. The application process is more detailed so don’t leave it until the last moment to find out!
To help you decide on the right license for your event, the following is a summary of the different types of events that are held and the appropriate license you will need.
PRIVATE EVENTS
Type of license: Special Event License – Private Resale
Specifics:
- Open only to invited guests
Applicant:
- A non-profit organization
- A municipality
- Registered Charitable organization
- Service club or association of individuals organized for a joint purpose
- An individual organizing a family function – wedding, birthday, anniversary or reunion
Conditions:
- The function is not open to the general public. All advertising must be directed to members and invited guests
- there is a charge to patrons for admission and/or liquor
Issuer:
- Class D (retail liquor stores, off- sale rooms) establishments
Fee:
- $25.00 (possible $2.00 service fee)
Type of license: Special Event License – Private Non-Sale
Specifics:
- The sale of liquor is prohibited
Applicant:
- A non-profit organization
- A municipality
- Registered Charitable organization
- Service club or association of individuals organized for a joint purpose
- An individual organizing a family function – wedding, birthday, anniversary or reunion
Conditions:
- The function is open to members and/or invited guests ONLY. Advertising must be directed to members and invited guests only and not to the general public at large.
- there is no charge to patrons for admission and/or liquor
Issuer:
- Class D (retail liquor stores, off- sale rooms) establishments
Fee:
- $10.00 (possible service charge of $2.00)
PUBLIC EVENTS
Type of license: Special Event License – Community Resale
Annual or standard community events, food fairs/festivals, theatre, performing arts event, music festivals, sporting events, exhibitions, film festivals.
Specifics:
- Event is open to the public and liquor is stored, sold and provided
- Approval signatures from the following authorities:
- Police
- Fire
- Health Authority and/or local municipality (where applicable)
- More details around the event are required
Applicant:
- A non-profit organization
- A municipality
- Registered Charitable organization
- Service club or association of individuals organized for a joint purpose
- Company incorporated under Part 9 of the Companies Act
Conditions:
- The function is open to the general public.
- there is a charge to patrons for admission and/or liquor
Issuer:
- contact AGLC directly for the license application
Fee:
- $25-$50 depending on the application
Providing responsible liquor service and licensing contributes to the overall success of your event. If you have any questions regarding licensing your next event contact AGLC at 1-800-272-8876. AGLC licensing agents are knowledgeable and willing to work with all licensees to ensure that you or your organizations are being responsible in licensing the event.
For more information please contact Don Engerdahl, Arts & Culture Coordinator at 780 865-6055 or email arts@hinton.ca.
http://www.aglc.gov.ab.ca/licences/