Liquor License Information for BC

​Do You Need a Liquor Permit?

In British Columbia, you typically need a liquor permit, called a Special Event Permit (SEP) if you are serving or selling alcohol at an event held outside of a private residence or licensed venue (eg: restaurant).  If your event is in your own private home, you may not need a permit—but outside venues, public locations, hall rentals and other venues will require one.

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Private Family Events:

A private family event needs a liquor Special Event Permit when it is held in a public place (not held in a private residence). The event is hosted by a family member, or a friend of the family, to celebrate an aspect of family life. It is not open to the public. A family event can include:

• Weddings

• Anniversaries

• Birthdays

• Retirements

• Memorial receptions

• Pre-wedding parties commonly known as bachelor and bachelorette parties

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Other Private Events: Invited Guests / Advance Ticket Holders

You need a Special Event Permit for events in a public place that will be attended by:

• Invited guests

• Members and staff of an organization

• People who have been sold or given advance tickets

Tickets for private special events must not be sold at the door.

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For public events where anyone from the public can attend or purchase tickets at the door please see the government website.​​

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What is a Special Event Permit (SEP)?

A Special Event Permit allows you to legally serve alcohol at your event in BC, whether you are providing it for free, charging per drink or a donation bar. The person who applies for the permit must have taken the Serving It Right Course. These programs ensure alcohol is served safely and responsibly.

Important: Who Holds the Permit?

As the host of the event, you are required to apply for and hold the Special Event Permit (SEP).

This means:

• You, or the event host is responsible for purchasing the alcohol for your event

• The permit must be in your name, or the event organizer’s name, or someone involved, onsite and sober, for the duration of the evening

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What does that mean?
Even though The Happy Hour Event Co. provides certified bartenders to serve your guests, we operate as a dry hire service. We do not supply or sell alcohol. Instead, we provide professional bartending service using the alcohol you have legally purchased under your permit.  All mobile bar companies operate this same way.

Good news: All of our bartenders are fully certified—so you’re covered on the service side at the event.

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This might sound like a lot of information, but it's really easy! Most importantly, this is what SAVES YOU A TON OF MONEY by being able to purchase your own alcohol instead of paying the high venue mark up or corkage fees. By booking with Happy Hour Event Co, we are here to guide you through this process and make it clear and easy.

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How to Apply

Applying is simple and done online through the BC government. ​

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1. Confirm you need a Special Event permit.

2. Complete required certification for the Serving it Right Course. This is an easy online course and test. It costs $35 and is valid for 5 years.

3. Review rules and responsibilities of the host

4. Apply online for the Special Event Permit.

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​Important Rules to Know

• Alcohol must be purchased from approved BC retailers (liquor stores, wineries, breweries, etc.)

• Your permit must be printed and displayed at the event

• There is no self-service liquor allowed (eg: no bottle of wine on the table for guests to pour freely)

• Event hours are regulated (typically up to 2am indoors, with bar service ending 30 minutes before)

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How We Help

While you (the host) are responsible for the permit, we’re here to support you by:

• Guiding you on what type of permit you need

• Answering questions along the way

• Ensuring our bar service meets all BC regulations

• Providing certified bartenders for safe, professional service

Our goal is simple: you enjoy your event while everything runs smoothly and legally behind the scenes.

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​Not sure if you need a permit?
Send us your event details—we’re happy to help guide you before you book.