AGCO Defence & Compliance: What Every Licensed Business Must Know
AGCO Defence in Ontario: Know the System. Navigate It With Confidence.
One AGCO inspection. One anonymous complaint. One overlooked policy. That’s all it takes for your liquor, cannabis, or gaming licence to come under scrutiny in Ontario.
At VENTI Legal Services, we help you understand, comply, and respond to AGCO enforcement — with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re running a bar in Toronto, a cannabis retail store in Mississauga, or an iGaming operation in Ottawa, our goal is to help protect your licence and your ability to operate legally.
What Is the AGCO?
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is the regulatory body that oversees:
Liquor licences for bars, clubs, restaurants
Cannabis retail licences
Gaming and iGaming registrations
Horse racing
The AGCO enforces compliance through:
Inspections
Complaints and investigations
Suspensions and revocations
Monetary penalties
Registrar Hearings and Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) proceedings
Common AGCO Violations That Trigger Penalties
AGCO enforcement is thorough. Some of the most common violations include:
Liquor Licence Infractions:
Serving minors or intoxicated patrons
Overcapacity
Failing to report incidents (e.g. fights, medical emergencies)
Violating advertising rules (including social media posts)
Cannabis Retail Violations:
Operating outside permitted hours
Unsecured cannabis storage
Improper staff CannSell certification
Unapproved store layout or signage
Gaming & iGaming:
Unlicensed gaming operations
Fraudulent prize awarding
Non-compliant advertising and promotions
What Happens If You're Found in Violation?
If the AGCO believes you have breached the rules, you may receive a:
Notice of Proposal (NOP) to suspend or revoke your licence
Monetary Penalty
Registrar’s Hearing summons
Once issued, you have limited time to respond or appeal. That's where legal representation becomes critical.
How VENTI Legal Supports You
We help you respond strategically, reduce risk, and navigate the AGCO process.
Our AGCO Regulatory Services:
Responding to NOPs & monetary penalties
Representation at Registrar Hearings & LAT appeals
Drafting and submitting written responses or defence materials
Communication and negotiation with AGCO
Preventive compliance reviews
We Also Support:
Inspection preparation
Staff compliance training (Smart Serve, CannSell)
Incident policy development and documentation
Our role is to help you move forward — professionally, legally, and confidently.
Sample Cases We’ve Worked On
Assisted a GTA nightclub in responding to an overcapacity complaint
Represented a cannabis retailer during review of operating hour violations
Helped a Toronto bar address concerns over social media advertising
Every case is unique. Past outcomes are not indicative of future results.
Book a Consultation on Your AGCO Matter
When enforcement happens, timing matters. If you’ve received an NOP, penalty notice, or other AGCO communication, reach out promptly for a consultation.
📍 Serving: Toronto | Mississauga | Vaughan | Hamilton | Ottawa | Across Ontario
📞 416 549 8012
🌐 www.ventilegal.com
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VENTI Legal Services
Regulatory Defence. Traffic Offences. Minor Criminal.
This isn't law. This is leverage.
