FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Requirements and Policies
In accordance with the Liquor License Act and the University of Toronto Alcohol Policy event organizers “must ensure that light meals are available in the licensed establishment [area] at all times during which the service of alcohol is available:
- Acceptable “light meal” menus will usually, but not always, include five main selections and four snack/side dishes.
- The menu should offer a reasonable variety of meals, either as single order or by combining orders, (e.g. sandwiches with soup and /or salad).” A combination of 2-3 options such as sandwiches, fruit and veggie platters, hot and cold appetizers, cheese or deli plates or desserts all constitute acceptable food options.
- Should an event run out of food while the service of alcohol is still available, organizers will be given a 15-minute window in which to bring out more food otherwise the bar must be closed.
Student events require 14 business days, and an approving signature from a department head, principal or dean for booking. Events admitting under-age students may be required to ensure appropriate monitoring and wristband policies. Beverage Services staff is happy to provide assistance to student groups attempting to organize events.
No, because the University already has a liquor license it is not possible to license an event without booking it through the Campus Beverage Service.
Monitors are required to oversee the licensed area and ensure abidance with the LLA regulations and ensure guests’ safety, assisting staff and guests in the event of any unplanned situations (ex. fire alarms, power outages).
Please review the University of Toronto St. George Campus Alcohol Policy here.
Please review the Alcohol regulations here.
Your Event
Campus Beverage Service (CBS) administers compliance with the Liquor License Act (LLA) and the University of Toronto Campus Alcohol Policy. On the St. George campus, CBS functions as the sales/distribution agent; it assists in planning licensed events, it provides trained staff and services where required, and monitors licensed events and premises to prevent violations of the LLA.
The University of Toronto’s Alcohol Policy requires anyone involved in the sale or service of alcohol,(bartenders, monitors), to hold a valid Smart Serve card and be supplied by Campus Beverage Services. Non-compliance could result in the suspension or loss of the liquor licence for the entire St. George Campus.
For information, please call (416) 978-8444.
Due to staffing and inventory concerns a staff / faculty event requires minimum 7 business days for booking and a student / external organization requires minimum 14 business days (they require further approval and attention). With anything less than the aforementioned requirements and we cannot guarantee necessary staff and inventory will be available to facilitate your event. Also please keep in mind that special orders require a minimum of 10 business days to obtain. Special fees may be levied in case these requirements are not met.
No, the University of Toronto Campus Alcohol Policy was instituted to prevent non-monitored and non-conforming alcohol serving practices on campus. As such, alcohol MUST be purchased through Campus Beverage Service and served by licensed, trained staff in accordance with the Liquor License Act. This also implies that donated alcohol is illegal because it was not purchased under the University’s liquor license.
No, Campus Beverage Services’ policies ensure that you only get charged for what you use. As such, all remaining inventory at the event’s end must be returned. A special re-stocking fee is applied if returning special items are not in our regular inventory. Open bottles of wine are chargeable but must be removed from the premises by CBS at the end of the event, since no alcohol can be left on the premises after the event’s closing time.
The bar must be set up in an accessible, hazard-free location; it must be operating in compliance with the Fire Regulations and within the legal occupancy limits. As such, a bar cannot be set up in such a way as to obstruct the fire exits or the passage of persons in and out of a building/classroom. It is preferable that the bar not be situated on a stage or in the proximity of stairs or blocking a hallway. One other important requirement is that the bar be situated in a clearly defined licensed area so that only guests invited to that event are allowed to consume alcoholic beverages.
Advertising for events must be pre-approved by the director of Ancillary Services. Advertising must be non-offensive and may only contain reference to the fact that the event is licensed. It should not make any specific reference to what type of alcohol is being served or prices being charged. (That information will be provided at the event.) One (1) month’s notice is required to approve any advertising. All advertising must also be confined to campus.
Under the University’s alcohol policy last calls are not permitted due to the fact that they encourage the consumption of alcohol. University event bars close at the End Time requested on the Beverage Fax Order Form by the organizer and confirmed by CBS on the Confirmation of Order Form. Under certain circumstances, the closing time may be extended by a maximum of one half hour but only if the staff and mandatory food are still available.