Additional Information For AGCO Services

Renewals, Amendments & Transfers

We ensure your licence stays compliant and up to date by:

  • Tracking renewal deadlines and submitting renewals

  • Managing changes to ownership, location, or hour

  • Assisting with sales or transfers of licences

  • Guiding post-approval reporting and compliance filing

Compliance Reviews & Investigations

The AGCO regularly inspects businesses and issues notices of violation or non-compliance. We assist with:

  • Preparing for AGCO inspections or audits

  • Responding to compliance orders or enforcement actions

  • Advising on remedial plans and staff training

  • Reducing the risk of suspension, monetary penalty, or revocation

Appeals & Hearings

If your licence is refused, suspended, or revoked, or if you receive a Notice of Proposal (NOP), we can:

  • File a Request for Hearing within AGCO’s timelines

  • Represent you at hearings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) or AGCO Registrar

  • Prepare affidavits, legal submissions, and witness statements

  • Negotiate settlements with AGCO counsel

  • Protect your business with interim stay applications (where available)

Common AGCO-Regulated Sectors We Serve

  • Bars, lounges, nightclubs, restaurants

  • LCBO-authorized retail stores and grocery outlets

  • Charitable gaming (bingo halls, raffles, casinos)

  • Breweries, wineries, and craft distilleries

  • Cannabis retail locations and franchise operators

  • Horse racing (racetrack operators, trainers, jockeys)

  • Event organizers with special occasion permit requirements

Legislation & Tribunal Knowledge

We are experienced with key laws and rules including:

  • Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019

  • Cannabis Licence Act, 2018

  • Gaming Control Act, 1992

  • Horse Racing Licence Act, 2015

  • AGCO Registrar’s Standards and Licensing Guides

  • AGCO Rules of Practice and LAT Hearing Procedures

Typical AGCO Offences We Defend

  • Serving minors or intoxicated patrons

  • Unlicensed sale of alcohol

  • Fraud or misrepresentation in licence applications

  • Cannabis storage, signage, and advertising violations

  • Corporate changes without AGCO approval

  • Failure to meet record-keeping or security standards

  • Breaches of licence conditions or operational standards

When Regulatory Non-Compliance Leads to Charges

In many cases, violations of AGCO rules result in administrative penalties such as licence suspension, monetary fines, or revocation. However, more serious breaches may also lead to prosecution under Ontario’s Provincial Offences Act or the Criminal Code of Canada. Our firm is fully equipped to represent you on both fronts.

If your matter escalates beyond AGCO proceedings, our criminal law department works hand-in-hand with our regulatory team to deliver a coordinated and strategic defence.

Offences Under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019

(Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019, S.O. 2019, c. 15, Sched. 22)

  • s. 4 – Operating without a licence

  • s. 10 – Unlawful sale of liquor

  • s. 29 – Sale contrary to the Act

  • s. 30 – Serving minors

  • s. 36 – Permitting drunkenness/disorder

  • s. 38 – Loss of control over premises

  • s. 41 – Failing to maintain records

  • s. 45 – Obstruction of an inspector or peace officer

Offences Under the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018

(Cannabis Licence Act, 2018, S.O. 2018, c. 12, Sched. 2)

  • s. 6 – Unauthorized sale of cannabis

  • s. 10 – Permitting unauthorized access

  • s. 11 – Failure to verify customer age

  • s. 15 – Selling contrary to licence terms

  • s. 18 – Obstructing an inspector

  • s. 20 – Breach of licence conditions

Offences Under the Gaming Control Act, 1992

(Gaming Control Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 24)

  • s. 2 – Unlicensed gaming operation

  • s. 9 – Regulatory non-compliance

  • s. 12 – Misstatements in application

  • s. 13 – Failure to maintain records

  • s. 15 – Obstructing inspection

Criminal Code Offences (Summary)

  • s. 129 – Obstructing a peace officer

  • s. 380(1)(b) – Fraud under $5,000

  • s. 362 – False pretence

  • s. 140 – Public mischief

  • s. 266 – Assault

  • s. 175 – Causing a disturbance

    We understand how these charges can affect not only your business, but also your personal record and livelihood. That’s why our legal team delivers a unified strategy that covers both regulatory defence and criminal proceedings, without the need to retain separate counsel.

Why Clients Choose Us

  • AGCO defence tailored to your industry

  • Full-service guidance: applications, compliance, defence, and criminal representation

  • In-depth knowledge of sector-specific regulations

  • Practical solutions to avoid shutdowns or penalties

  • Transparent flat-rate fees for predictable budgeting

AGCO Consultations

Confidential Legal Guidance for Ontario’s Regulated Businesses

Whether you're starting a new business, facing a compliance issue, or responding to a Notice of Proposal from the AGCO, a focused legal consultation can help you take the right next step. We provide personalized, confidential consultations tailored to your licensing, compliance, or hearing needs.

What to Expect from Your Consultation

Each consultation includes:

  • A detailed review of your current issue or application

  • A walk-through of applicable AGCO laws and rules

  • Guidance on necessary forms, disclosures, or filings

  • Strategic advice on next steps or potential defences

  • Time to answer your questions clearly and directly

We help identify risks, opportunities, and regulatory obligations across all AGCO-regulated sectors including alcohol, gaming, cannabis, and horse racing.

Who Consultations Are For

  • Business owners preparing to apply for a licence

  • Operators facing a compliance inspection or audit

  • Licence holders who received a Notice of Proposal (NOP)

  • Event organizers with special permit questions

  • Cannabis retailers navigating relocation or expansion

  • Clients seeking legal representation at AGCO hearings