Special Occasion Licences

Special Occasion (Public Events) are recognized community or public celebrations or events conducted by bonafide organizations or societies.  Approval is required from both City Council and the RCMP.  An outline of the City’s guidelines is provided with the application forms.

If you plan to serve alcohol at a community event or public celebration in the City of Port Alberni, you need to obtain a Special Occasion (Public Event) Licence from the City.  The City considers applications for Special Occasion (Public Event) Licences in the spring of each year.

In order to be considered, applications must be submitted on a prescribed application form available at City Hall.

Applications must be submitted on the prescribed application forms, including the financial statement.  Application forms to be completed in full.

The function must be held by a bonafide organization or society located within the community.

The proceeds of the event are to be used for charitable or public purposes.  Any profit realized should not accrue to the organization or society itself.  Applicants must clearly state how the proceeds of the function will be used.

The function must be a recognized community or public celebration or event designated and approved by the City Council, the RCMP and a BC Liquor Store.  Applicants are responsible to contact the RCMP and a BC Liquor Store themselves.

The date applications are received will not necessarily affect the priority in granting Special Occasion Licences.

A person with a “Serving it Right” certificate must be on site at all times.  Serving it Right program information is available at BC Liquor Stores and on line at the BC Liquor Distribution website.