A guide for hosts
Special Occasion Permits in Saskatchewan
When you need a permit to serve alcohol at your event, which one fits, and how and when to apply.
Do you need a permit?
In Saskatchewan, you need a Special Occasion Permit from SLGA to serve alcohol at an event held anywhere other than a licensed venue, a private home or another private place. That goes for private, invitation-only events as well as public ones.
Usually needs a permit
- A hall, community centre or rented space without its own liquor licence
- A park, tent, acreage or other outdoor site
- Any event that is public, advertised or ticketed, or where guests pay for drinks
Usually doesn't
- A party at your own home or in your backyard, with drinks free for your guests
- A venue with its own liquor licence, which serves under its own permit (and may use its own bartenders)
- A staff party in your company's own private office area, with drinks free (check with SLGA)
Not sure? SLGA answers questions at 1-800-667-7565.
Which permit fits your event?
SLGA has three main types. A wedding or party where drinks are free usually needs a Non-Sale permit.
Non-Sale
$50 a day
Invited guests only, and no charge for drinks of any kind.
- Weddings, staff parties, reunions and family gatherings
- For individuals, businesses and organizations
- Guests under 19 can usually attend as non-drinking guests
Cost Recovery
$52.50 a day
Private family celebrations where guests pay for drinks to cover what you spent.
- Invited guests only, never advertised
- Up to $3.00 per standard drink, and $3.00 per ounce of spirits ($4.50 for a 1.5 oz drink)
- Guests under 19 can usually attend as non-drinking guests
Sale
$105 a day
Events open to the public or advertised (even with free drinks), and events that charge for drinks.
- Organizations; businesses up to six a year, not for regular business
- Individuals once a year, for a private family function only
- Guests under 19 usually can't attend unless SLGA allows it
Fees as listed by SLGA on October 11, 2026. Each permit lasts up to 12 hours.
How and when to apply
Choose your permit type
Use the three types above. If your event sits between two, SLGA can tell you which one fits.
Apply at least 15 days ahead
Apply online with SLGA. Allow more time for outdoor events and events over 500 people.
Apply in your own name
The person or organization responsible for the event holds the permit. SLGA doesn't take applications made for someone else, so Bold & Boozy can't apply for you.
Outdoors? Get approval first
A tent, park or other outdoor site needs a site plan and written approval from the municipality or band office before SLGA approves the permit. On City of Regina property, the City's own approval form is due 10 business days before the event, with proof of $5 million in liability insurance that includes host liquor liability.
Buy the alcohol under your permit
Buy it from a Saskatchewan liquor retailer or craft alcohol maker once your permit is approved, so each receipt shows your permit number. Keep the permit and the receipts at the event.
The rules on the day
Only the permit's alcohol
No bring your own. Only alcohol the permit holder bought for the event can be served.
Food and non-alcoholic drinks
Food must be available (snacks or appetizer trays are enough), and non-alcoholic drinks the whole time.
Hours
A permit can't start before 9:30 a.m. and ends by 2:30 a.m. Service stops at least 30 minutes before it ends.
Guests under 19
They can't buy, drink or serve alcohol, sell tickets for it or collect empty glasses.
Responsibility and ID
The permit holder is responsible for the event and should check photo ID. SLGA doesn't require liability insurance, but calls it good practice.
Where Bold & Boozy fits
We can't apply for your permit, and we don't sell or supply alcohol: you buy it from a Saskatchewan retailer under your permit. We write your free buying list, bring the bartenders and everything your package includes, and run the bar on the night.
We serve responsibly. We check ID, never serve anyone under 19, and stop service for anyone who has had enough.
Sources
- SLGA: Special Occasion Permits (opens in a new tab)
- SLGA: General information and questions (opens in a new tab)
- SLGA: Permit fees (opens in a new tab)
- City of Regina: alcohol at events on City property (opens in a new tab)
Checked on . This is general information, not legal advice: SLGA has the final word on your permit.
Tell us about your event
We usually reply within 72 hours. Your pricing estimate is free, and sending the form holds nothing.