Party Planning

Unsure of how much alcohol to purchase for a party? Visit the LCBO’s website for a list of guidelines to help you determine what you’ll need:

Click here for the LCBO Party Calculator

*The following amounts are recommended for stocking purposes only. They are not intended or recommended to serve as consumption guidelines.

Visit the LCBO’s website for delicious mocktail recipes for the non-drinkers at your party. You might find more volunteers to play designated driver with these drinks on hand.

Click here for LCBO mocktail recipes

Don’t let your guests drink on an empty stomach. Serve food throughout the night. Eating slows down the speed at which the body absorbs the alcohol. Offer snacks such as veggies, cheeses, sandwiches, breads and dips. Avoid salty, sweet or greasy foods, since they tend to make people thirstier.

For hundreds of great party recipes check out the “Food & Drink” website.

Click here for LCBO Food & Drink recipes

Special Occasion Permits

Need a Special Occasion Permit (SOP)? Download a copy of the registration form here or visit the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario's (AGCO) website at http://www.agco.on.ca.

Once you've completed the application form, take it to the designated permit-issuing LCBO store in the municipality where the event is to take place. To find a designated permit-issuing location you can:

• Click here for the LCBO Party Calculator
• Call the LCBO infoline at 1-800-668-5226 (Toronto: 416 365-5900)
• Click here for a complete listing of LCBO stores issuing Special Occasion Permits

Applications for outdoor events must be submitted at least 30 days before the event. Applications for indoor receptions must be submitted at least 10 days in advance.

Problems With Alcohol

Think you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol? There are hundreds of online resources that can help. Here are a few:

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
• MADD Canada
• Rethink Drinking
• Drink IQ
• Drink Aware
• Check Your Drinking