This permit is required for functions where there is a direct or indirect charge for beverage alcohol, or where the event is open to the public. Typically, sale permits are used for charitable fundraisers, social functions, community events, business events, and private family functions.
In this section:
Eligibility
Sale permits are available to bona fide organizations such as organizing committees, service clubs, sport groups, and community service groups. Temporary organizations set up to fundraise for specific disaster relief or community needs may also qualify for sale permits. Businesses may obtain up to six sale permits per year, while individuals may qualify for no more than one sale permit per year for private family functions only.
An applicant that doesn’t fit the above criteria may still be able to get a sale permit if the liquor is sold and served by a commercial liquor permittee that is authorized to cater special occasion events.
How To Apply
The best way to get your special occasion permit is to apply online. Once you've received your permit, you can purchase your alcohol at participating Saskatchewan liquor retailers.
Organizers should apply a minimum of 10 days in advance of the event.
Restrictions
Permits are typically issued for a single event, but in limited circumstances, such as regular meetings of bona fide organizations or social functions held by seniors’ organizations, a sale permit may be issued for up to one year, for a maximum of one event per week held at the same time and location. Special conditions may apply to these permits.
If the event is taking place outdoors, the applicant must provide SLGA with written approval from the municipality where the event will be held. Contact the applicable municipal office for more information.
Some communities may restrict events or alcohol service on Sunday. Contact the applicable town or city council, or municipality office for further information.
For events held by organizations and businesses, tickets for the event may be sold both in advance and at the door. Advertising for these events is permitted subject to SLGA policy and CRTC guidelines for alcohol advertising. See the Special Occasion Permit Manual or contact SLGA for more information.
Minors
Minors may attend sale events as guests or volunteers only with SLGA approval and only if accompanied by their parent, legal guardian, or spouse of legal age. Minors can attend without parental accompaniment to provide emergency maintenance services and professional entertainment. If adult entertainment is being offered at the event, minors may not attend in any capacity.
Minors must not purchase, consume, or act in any way in the handling of beverage alcohol including selling drink tickets.
Additional Information
Non-alcoholic beverages and an adequate supply of food must be available to those attending a permitted event. Light meals, including buffets, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, etc. meet the minimum acceptable food requirements. Snack foods such as chips and pretzels are not considered adequate.
Sale permits are valid for a maximum of 12 hours and drink prices are set by the permittee.
If you’re planning an event for more than 500 people, additional conditions may apply to your permit to ensure the safety of everyone involved. SLGAcan meet with your volunteer group to discuss security, admission of minors, liability and other issues that may arise at your event. The Branch can also coordinate workshops for volunteers working as servers and for the security personnel working at the function. Contact SLGA for more information.