Legal updates, regulatory guidance and practical perspectives for businesses operating in complex industries.
An Old-Fashioned Way To Promote That An Establishment Is Licensed to Serve Alcoholic Drinks LLBO stands for the Liquor Licence Board of Ontario. Although the LLBO no longer exists, the term remains widely used throughout Ontario by business owners, municipalities, landlords, event organizers, and members of the public. You may see “LLBO” on the sign…
Eligibility Requirements for LCBO Product Call Participation Before a product can be considered for inclusion in the LCBO’s diverse portfolio, prospective suppliers must meet specific eligibility criteria. These requirements are designed to ensure that all submissions align with the LCBO’s operational standards and legal obligations within Ontario. Understanding these prerequisites is the foundational step for…
Understanding the LCBO Consignment Program Framework Program Overview and Objectives The LCBO Consignment Program is designed to give Ontarians access to a wider selection of unique products that might not typically be found on regular LCBO store shelves. Essentially, it allows authorized agents to order specific products on behalf of certain suppliers. The LCBO then…
What To Do if AGCO Gives You a Notice of Violation for Underage Sale to Someone Under 19 Years of Age What Constitutes an “Underage Sale”? In Ontario, an “underage sale” occurs when a licensed establishment or its employee sells or provides alcohol or cannabis to an individual who is not of legal age. For…
AGCO Licence Suspensions and Revocations If you’re running a bar, restaurant, or other licensed establishment in Ontario, keeping your liquor sales licence or manufacturer’s licence in good standing is standard business. But what happens if the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) decides to step in? They have the power to temporarily suspend, or…
Conditions On Your AGCO Liquor Sales Licence What are AGCO liquor licence Conditions? Liquor licence conditions are specific rules or requirements that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) places on a liquor licence. These aren’t just suggestions; they are legally binding stipulations that licence holders must follow. Think of them as extra guidelines…
Challenging a Notice of Proposal From the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario What Constitutes a Notice of Proposal? A Notice of Proposal (NOP) from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is a formal communication indicating that the Registrar intends to take a specific action regarding your licence. This action could be a…
Learn the step-by-step process to successfully get your liquor products into the LCBO.
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Timelines depend on the licence type, how complete the application is and the regulator’s current processing times. We prepare the application and supporting documents so the review runs smoothly, and we give you a realistic timeline at the start.
It depends on the services you provide. Money services businesses register with FINTRAC, and payment service providers performing retail payment activities register with the Bank of Canada under the RPAA. Some businesses need both; we review your model and tell you which apply.
In many cases, yes. A transfer is approved by the provincial regulator and depends on the licence conditions, the premises and the buyer’s eligibility. We handle the filings and coordinate with the other side of the deal.
It depends on the product, its claims and how it is sold. Some products are regulated as drugs or natural health products by Health Canada. We review the product and the sales model and explain what is permitted.
Yes. We advise clients across Canada on federal and provincial regulatory matters, and we coordinate with local counsel where a provincial rule requires it.
We always strive to offer our clients transparent, flexible and reasonable pricing and payment options. Where the scope of the engagement permits, we try to offer our clients innovative, fixed-fee pricing options instead of traditional hourly rates, and payment through EFT, Wire, E-transfer, and Credit/Debit Card.
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We advise clients across Ontario and throughout Canada on regulatory, licensing and compliance matters in cannabis, psychedelics and other regulated industries.
Cannabis retail, consumption and related licensing
Zoning, land use and local approvals
Compliance and enforcement matters
Health Canada, Canada-wide regulatory matters
CRA, excise, FINTRAC and related requirements
Psychedelics, hemp, wellness and emerging sectors
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