The Liquor Licence and Control Act (LLCA) is the provincial law that regulates the sale, service and consumption of alcohol in Ontario. It applies to both individuals and businesses.

Common offences and penalties under the LLCA

Offences committed under the Act are prosecuted under the Provincial Offences Act (POA) and carry significant penalties that can include a ticket with a small set fine (Part 1 of the POA) for more minor offences, or a much larger fine and/or court summons (Part III of the POA) for more severe offences.

Under the LLCA, it is illegal for an individual to:

Offence

• be intoxicated in a public place, or any part of a residence that is used in common by persons occupying more than one dwelling in the residence
• possess or consume open liquor in public
• possess open or unsealed liquor in a vehicle as a passenger, unless it is in the trunk or an area where it is inaccessible to passengers, and
• consume alcohol under the age of 19. You must be over the age of 19 to legally consume alcohol, however if you are under 19, alcohol may be legally consumed if:
  • if it is supplied by a parent or legal guardian and
  • it is consumed in their home with a parent or legal guardian present

Penalty – fines of up to $100

Offence

• possess open liquor in a vehicle as a driver

Penalty – fines of up to $100

Offence

• use a fake ID or someone else’s ID to obtain alcohol, and
• purchase or otherwise supply alcohol to someone under age 19 (parents and legal guardians excepted)

Penalty— fines of up to $500.

Offence

• convey or have care and control over open alcohol in a motorized vehicle or boat

Penalty –  up to $100 in fines for passengers and $175 for the driver

More information

More severe offences such as selling liquor to a minor, or to an intoxicated person, can result in much harsher penalties and larger fines.For a complete list of offences and their penalties, view the Liquor Licence and Control Act (LLCA) and the Provincial Offences Act (POA).

								
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