Everything you'd ask on the call.

How far ahead should we book?

Weddings: six to twelve months for a May-to-October Saturday. Parties: a month is usually fine. Under two weeks is a rush booking and depends on what's open.

What holds the date?

A signed agreement and a 35% deposit by e-transfer. The balance is due 14 days before the event. The deposit is non-refundable because we've turned away other bookings for your date.

What if we have to cancel or move the date?

One reschedule is free with 30 days' notice, subject to availability. Cancel more than 14 days out and you lose the deposit only; inside 14 days,  the balance is owed, because the staff and the supplies are already committed.

Can we change the package or add things later?

Yes, up to 14 days before. Every change is confirmed in writing and added to your quote. Nothing gets added on the night except overtime you approve.

Who buys the alcohol?

You do, from the shopping list we send two weeks out — it's sized to your guests, your hours and your drinks, down to the bottle. We never mark up or resell alcohol, which keeps your cost at LCBO prices and keeps everyone on the right side of Ontario's rules.

Do we need a permit?

At a private home, no. At a rented hall, barn, tent, park or any venue without its own liquor licence, yes — a Special Occasion Permit from the AGCO, in your name, applied for online. We'll tell you on the planning call, walk you through the form, and tell you what has to be bought on the permit.

Can we do a cash bar?

No. We serve private, invited-guest events only, where the host supplies the drinks. Selling drinks changes the permit, the insurance and the law, and we've chosen not to be in that business.

How much should we buy?

That's the shopping list's job. As a rough guide, plan on one drink per guest per hour for the first two hours and a little less after. For 50 guests over five hours that's usually $600–900 at the LCBO, less if it's beer and wine, more with three cocktails.

What happens to what's left?

It's yours. On Full Pour we box it, label it and hand it to whoever you named. Unopened LCBO bottles can usually be returned with the receipt.

What do you actually bring?

Depends on the package, and it's spelled out line by line on the Packages page. Short version: Just Pour is a bartender; Social Pour adds a bar, ice, pop, cups and limes; Full Pour is everything except the alcohol.

Do you bring ice?

On Social Pour and Full Pour, yes — more than you'd guess, kept frozen in our coolers. On Just Pour you supply it, or add ice and coolers for $95.

Glassware?

We pour into quality disposables. If your venue has glassware, we'll use it. We don't rent glassware; your venue or any party rental company can deliver it to the venue and we'll pour into whatever's on the bar.

Can we pick our own cocktails?

Yes — Full Pour includes three of your choosing, built from our stocked bar of sodas, juices, syrup and fresh garnish. Anything beyond that, like espresso or purées, is an additional fee.

How big is the bar and what does it need?

The full bar needs roughly an 8 by 6 foot footprint on level ground, indoors or under cover, and we'd love to be within reach of a tap and a bin. No power required. Stairs, elevators and long carries are fine — just tell us on the call so we plan the load-in.

One bartender or two?

One to 50 guests. Two above that, or above 40 if your cocktails can't be made ahead. A second bartender is $300 for the event. We'd rather tell you now than have a line at the bar later.

What if our bartender gets sick?

Every booking has a backup bartender's name on it. Your bar opens either way.

Does setup count against our hours?

No. Your hours run from bar open to last call. We arrive 60 to 90 minutes early and the teardown is ours.

Can we go later on the night?

If your venue and permit allow it, yes — $150 per hour in 30-minute blocks, with your sign-off. Booked in advance it's $100. We stop when the permit says stop; that one isn't negotiable.

Is HST included?

No — every price on this site is before HST, and your quote shows it as its own line.

Tipping?

Your choice. By default there's a small tip jar on the bar. If you'd rather your guests never see one, add host-covered gratuity — 5% of the service — and it disappears. This goes straight to the workers.

How far will you travel?

Durham Region is included. GTA East is +$100, Toronto and York +$200, the west GTA, Barrie and Belleville +$300. Beyond that, ask — we do go, we just quote it.

Our venue wants proof of insurance.

Standard. We carry $2M general and liquor liability and we'll issue a certificate naming your venue as additional insured. Send us their requirements; we handle the rest.

Outdoors, and it rains?

The bar needs cover — a tent, a garage, a porch — and we'll say so on the call. We don't serve under lightning, for the obvious reason, and we'll pause until it passes.