The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for administering the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA) which, together with its regulations and the standards and requirements established by the Registrar, establishes the licensing and regulatory regime for most aspects relating to the sale, service and delivery of liquor in Ontario.
Liquor Sales Licences are issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
To apply for a new licence or amend an existing licence:
- Start your application online with the AGCO.
- Submit your Municipal Information Form and floor plan to the City Clerk using the Municipal Information Form Submission to Municipality form.
- Allow up to three weeks for the City to process your submission.
- Once approved, the City will return the signed documents to you. Applicants must upload them to the AGCO through the iAGCO portal.
Liquor Sales Licence holders must receive municipal approval to temporarily extend their licensed area onto adjacent private or City property.
Temporary patio extensions may be permitted for up to eight months per calendar year.
Apply for a Temporary Patio Extension
Please allow up to three weeks for processing. Once approved, applicants must upload the municipal approval through the iAGCO portal and attach it to their Liquor Sales Licence.
Licensed establishments may apply for a temporary patio extension during Canal Days. The Canal Days Liquor Permit, formerly known as the Temporary Patio Extension for Canal Days, allows customers to take beverages purchased from the establishment into the designated area covered by the City of Port Colborne's Special Occasion Permit (SOP) during the Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival.
To take part in the open-liquor Special Occasion Permit (SOP) run by the City of Port Colborne during Canal Days, you must:
- Submit your Public Event Agreement in person by June 4, 2027, to the City Clerk.
- To book an appointment to sign and submit your Public Event Agreement, email licensing@portcolborne.ca or call 905-228-8120.
- Proof of identity will be required (ie: Driver's Licence, Passport, Ontario Photo card)
- Submit this form by July 2, 2027 to allow for processing
- A response will be sent back to you confirming that we have received your application
- Once your application has been approved, you will receive your approval letter by mail and email
Complete Canal Days Liquor Permit Online Form
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Licensing Clerk at Licensing@portcolborne.ca or 905-228-8120.
If you are applying to the AGCO for a Private Special Occasion Permit, you must notify the City if your event will take place outdoors.
Complete the Special Occasion Permit Notification to Municipality Form
Municipal notification may also be required when:
- alcohol will be served at a private event, unless it is held in a residence or another location not normally rented or used by the public; or
- alcohol will be sold at a private event, unless it is held at a location with a catering endorsement.
The AGCO issues Public Special Occasion Permits for eligible public events, including general public events, industry promotional events and bring-your-own events.
If your event will take place outdoors, you must notify the City.
Depending on the event, the AGCO may also require:
- a municipal resolution declaring it an Event of Municipal Significance; or
- designation as a Cultural or Community Event.
Under the City's By-law to Adopt a Municipal Alcohol Management Policy:
- An Event of Municipal Significance means an event that would benefit the residents and communities within the Municipality of Port Colborne, and as such would be a bona fide municipal function under the control of the Municipal Council or a Council approved (by resolution) registered charitable or not for profit responsible corporation wishing to offer alcohol in support of its community wide event.
- A Cultural or Community Event means an organized outdoor gathering hosted by an individual and/or an individual on behalf of an organization for the purpose of arts, athletic, cultural, charitable, entertainment, and/or religious activities that is open to the general public and is not primarily intended for attendees under 19 years of age.
In order to notify the City of your event, request a municipal significance resolution, or request designation as a Cultural or Community Event, please:
Complete the Public Special Occasion Permit Notification Form
Once issued, municipal resolutions or designations must be uploaded to the iAGCO portal.