What's AGLC's policy for Class C and Special Event licensees?
AGLC's policies do not require staff who sell or serve liquor under Class C or private liquor licences to be ProServe-certified. Certification is recommended to help licensee staff and volunteers understand server liability and how to responsibly sell and serve liquor.
ProServe certification is required for full- and part-time workers in specified roles at Class A, B, D, E, F, Duty-Free, SEL - Commercial and SEL - Community licensed premises.
What situations might require Class C or private special events liquor service workers to have ProServe certification?
Liquor service carries a risk of potential liability. Private clubs and special events licensees have the same legal responsibilities as businesses that sell or serve liquor for profit.
Insurance companies may require that people who sell or serve liquor at these locations are ProServe-certified. Contact your provider or review the terms of your rental agreement for more information. Questions about liability should be directed to a lawyer.
Who's eligible to get certified for free?
Class C licensee staff and people selling or serving liquor at private special events are eligible for the ProServe fee-exemption.
SEL Public Resale - Commercial and SEL Public Resale - Community workers do not qualify.
Uncertified workers who incurred a violation because they failed to ask for proof of age for those persons under the age of 25, sold liquor to a minor or to someone who appeared intoxicated by liquor or a drug are ineligible for the ProServe fee exemption.
How do eligible workers get access to ProServe?
Class C, Special Events Private Resale and Non-sale licensees must nominate one person, 18 years of age or older, to be the ProServe Sponsor. The Sponsor is the licensee's designate to issue electronic letter codes to liquor service workers, giving them free access to ProServe.
An employee cannot be the Sponsor for more than one licensed premises. Each licensed premises must have its own ProServe Sponsor.
How do Class C licensees nominate their Sponsor?
Class C licensees' Board-approved licence manager or their designate chooses one employee at the premises to be their ProServe Sponsor. An employee cannot be the Sponsor for more than one licensed premises. Each licensed premises must have its own ProServe Sponsor.
To nominate a Sponsor at a Class C premises, submit the following to info@proserve.aglc.ca:
-
A letter, on company letterhead, signed by the Board-approved licence manager or their designate, and another Board member, executive or manager, nominating one employee as the Sponsor. Include in the letter:
- Sponsor's name and contact information
- Liquor licence number for your premises; and
- Email addresses for each person nominating the Sponsor. The nominee cannot sign the letter.
- A list, on company letterhead, of the licensee's current executive or Board members.
SMART Programs will confirm the Sponsor nomination via email. Information for providing fee-exempt access to ProServe will be forwarded to the Sponsor.
How does this work for SEL Private Resale or Non-Sale licensees?
SEL Private Resale or Non-sale licensees choose a ProServe Sponsor to provide free access to ProServe for volunteers working the event. Access ends when the event is over.
To nominate a Sponsor for a SEL Private Resale or Non-sale event, submit the following to info@proserve.aglc.ca:
- A letter, signed by the licensee, naming the event Sponsor. Include the Sponsor's contact information and licensee's email address.
- The event's Special Event Private Resale or Non-sale liquor licence. Apply for it online.
SMART Programs will confirm the Sponsor nomination via email. Information for providing fee-exempt access to ProServe for event workers will be forwarded to the Sponsor.
Information about liquor licences and AGLC's liquor policies is online. Contact AGLC's Licensing branch at 780-447-8600 for all licensing application enquiries.