All volunteers in roles such as selling or serving alcohol need to have a current Smart Serve certificate. Changes to liquor licensing in Ontario will impact volunteers willing to help at some of our local Rotary-organized events coming up in July and August 2023. Full details about Smart Serve licensing can be found below and HERE.
The Rotary Clubs of Guelph have two beer tent fundraisers coming up - at the Guelph Good Games on July 8-9, 2023 and at Rotary Ribfest on August 25-27, 2023. Rotarians and community members are invited to volunteer at both events, but most beer tent roles require a current Smart Serve certificate. The following information is important and may require action by volunteers.
On November 9, 2021, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced they are introducing a new 5-year Smart Serve recertification requirement, effective July 1, 2022, to be implemented by June 30, 2023.
- After June 30, 2023, all Smart Serve certificates issued BEFORE July 1, 2018, will be expired.
- Individuals with a current Smart Serve certificate issued SINCE July 1, 2018 need to re-certify by retaking the new online course and exam, and can do so for a reduced fee of $29.95. This must be completed by June 30, 2023. (See details below)
- Individuals not previously certified at all, or whose current certification has or will be expired, can certify online for a fee of $44.95.
The Smart Serve online learning modules take about 4 hours to complete (can be done in different sessions) followed by an online proctored exam that takes about 30 minutes (must be completed in one session). The online exam must be successfully completed within 30 days of completing the final online module.
The new Smart Serve certificate in Ontario is valid for a maximum of 5 years. Plastic cards are no longer issued. Online certificates can be self-printed for a paper copy, or stored on a mobile phone. Either method is acceptable for inspection and must be carried by the volunteer while on duty, along with their personal photo ID.
Full details can be found HERE. https://smartserve.ca/online-training/
Only volunteers with a valid Smart Serve Certificate can be assigned to positions in a beer or wine tent such as selling tickets, checking IDs, serving, pouring, and managing the alcohol from truck to cooler - generally any aspect to do with serving of alcohol during events.
There are 3 Categories of Smart Serve Holders. Detailed instructions are below for each category (with thanks to Darlene Carpenter from the Guelph Trillium Club for this information).
Category #1:
Folks who obtained their Smart Serve Certificate number before the online program was available.
Instructions – How do I renew My Smart Serve Certificate
Step 1: Enter the link smartserve.ca in an internet browser.
Step 2: Click Register Now. You will not have an account if you obtained your Smart Serve Certificate before on the online training was available.
Step 3: Register me for Individual Account. Click Register Now
Step 4: Complete all the boxes to register an account. You will see that the cost shows $44.95.
Step 5: To change the cost to $29.95 you need to call the Smart Serve number at 416-695-8737.
Step 6: During the conversation with the Smart Serve agent, you need to provide your current Smart Serve number and ask the agent to locate your number in their archives and link it to your account that you just set up. The agent will verify that you just registered an account and manually change the price to $29.95.
Step 7: Now go back into your account and purchase the training.
Step 8: Complete the online training.
Step 9: Take the proctored Final test. The training and testing process must be done within a month of setting up your account and purchasing the online renewal.
Step 10: Download, save or print your e-Certificate which is valid for 5 years.
Category #2:
Folks who obtained Smart Serve number by doing the online training available in the last 10 years.
You are in this category if you obtained your Smart Serve number by doing the training online and already have a Smart Serve Account.
Instructions – How do I renew My Smart Serve Certificate
Step 1: Enter the link smartserve.ca in an internet browser.
Step 2: Click Login Now with your previous login data you used to set up the account - email address and password.
Step 3: The cost should appear as $29.95.
Step 4: If the cost does not appear as $29.95 you need to call the Smart Serve number at 416-695-8737.
Step 5: During the conversation with the Smart Serve agent, you need to provide your current Smart Serve number and ask the agent to locate your number in their archives and link it to your profile. The agent will verify your account data. The agent will manually change the price to $29.95.
Step 6: Now go back into your account and purchase the training.
Step 7: Complete the online training.
Step 8: Take the proctored Final test. The training and testing process must be done within a month of when you purchased the online renewal
Step 9: Download, save or print your e-Certificate which is valid for 5 years.
Category #3:
Folks who do not have a Smart Serve Certificate at all and would like to get their Smart Serve Certificate now.
Instructions – How do I Obtain My Smart Serve Certificate if I never had one before?
Step 1: Enter the link smartserve.ca in an internet browser.
Step 2: Click Register Now
Step 3: Register me for Individual Account. Click Register Now
Step 4: Complete all the boxes to register an account. You will see that the cost shows $44.95. This is the price as you do not have a Smart Serve Certificate number to renew.
Step 5: While in your account purchase the training.
Step 6: Complete the online training.
Step 7: Take the proctored Final test.
Step 8: Download, save or print your e-Certificate which is valid for 5 years.