Safe Service of Alcohol Checklist

  • 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