- Be aware of and in accordance with all municipal regulations (check with your municipality for their most up-to-date alcohol policies) and provincial legislation (Liquor Control Act and Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario)
- Ensure the proper permits and insurance are obtained (see Special Occasion Permits)
- As a host, it is your duty to ensure a responsible serving and drinking environment for your guests
- Ensure that those serving alcohol are Smart Serve certified and 18+ years
- Ensure that only those 19+ are served alcohol at the event
- Ensure anyone who appears under the age of 25 provides proper identification prior to serving (see Checking ID for details on acceptable forms of ID)
- Always serve food items alongside alcoholic beverages and learn more about Preventing Intoxication
- Ensure safe transportation to and from your event and zero tolerance for drinking and driving
- Understand and implement risk management and reduction strategies (see Risk Management/Reducing Risk)
- Understand and encourage your guests to follow Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines. Specifically:
- Reduce your risk of injury and harm by drinking no more than 3 drinks (for women) and 4 drinks (for men) on any single occasion
- Do not drink when you are:
- Driving a vehicle or using machinery and tools
- Taking medicine or other drugs that interact with alcohol
- Doing any kind of dangerous physical activity
- Living with mental or physical health problems
- Living with alcohol dependence
- Pregnant or planning to be pregnant
- Responsible for the safety of others
- Making important decisions
