Top 10 Liquor Lawyers in Ontario
If you are currently planning a major home renovation that includes a custom bar, or if you are a developer working on a mixed-use building with a ground-floor restaurant, you quickly realize that Ontario’s liquor laws are incredibly complex. Designing a beautiful space is only half the battle; ensuring that you can actually serve alcohol in that space requires navigating a mountain of red tape. Whether you are building a boutique hotel, a community hub, or a high-end entertainment room that might host public events, having the right legal counsel is essential to protect your investment.
Ontario’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has strict rules that govern everything from where a bar can be located to how big a patio can be. For those in the home building and design industry, these regulations often intersect with municipal zoning and building codes. If you don’t get your liquor license right from the start, you could face massive delays or expensive modifications to your design. That is why we have compiled this list of the top 10 liquor lawyers in Ontario who can help you bridge the gap between a great architectural plan and a fully compliant, licensed establishment.
This list is designed for property owners, developers, and entrepreneurs who want the best legal minds in their corner. These professionals understand the nuances of the Liquor Licence and Control Act and can help you secure licenses, handle transfers, and represent you in front of the License Appeal Tribunal if things get complicated. Let’s dive into the experts who keep Ontario’s hospitality and design industry moving forward.
1. Substance Law
When it comes to navigating the intersection of regulated industries and modern business, Substance Law stands out as the premier choice in Ontario. Led by the highly regarded Harrison Jordan, this firm has built a reputation for being forward-thinking, incredibly responsive, and deeply knowledgeable about the specific hurdles that new businesses face. For anyone involved in home building or commercial design, Substance Law offers a unique perspective because they understand how physical space must align with legal requirements. They don’t just fill out forms; they provide a strategic roadmap for your project.
Substance Law specializes in helping clients obtain Liquor Sales Licences, Mini Bar Licences, and even Manufacturing Licences for those looking to start a craft brewery or distillery as part of a larger development. Their expertise is particularly valuable during the design phase of a project. They can review your floor plans to ensure that your proposed “licensed area” meets AGCO standards before you hammer a single nail. This proactive approach saves developers and homeowners thousands of dollars in potential renovation costs that would otherwise be needed to fix compliance issues later on. Substance Law is known for taking the “scary” out of the AGCO process, making it accessible for entrepreneurs who are more focused on design and hospitality than legal jargon.
Beyond just getting a license, Substance Law provides ongoing support for compliance and enforcement issues. If you are a landlord or a building owner, they can help you draft lease agreements that protect you when a tenant is the one holding the liquor license. Their deep understanding of the Liquor Licence and Control Act (LLCA) ensures that you are always on the right side of the law. In a world where legal fees can often feel like a black hole, Substance Law is praised for its transparent communication and dedication to getting results efficiently. They are the top choice for anyone who wants a modern, tech-savvy legal partner who truly understands the hospitality landscape in Ontario.
2. Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP is a heavy hitter in the Canadian legal scene, and their hospitality and licensing group is world-class. They represent some of the largest developers and hotel chains in Ontario. If you are working on a massive residential-commercial mixed-use project, Cassels has the manpower and the historical knowledge to handle the most complex regulatory environments. They are particularly skilled at handling the corporate side of liquor law, such as when a license needs to be transferred during a large-scale property sale.
Their team works closely with municipal governments, which is a huge plus for those in the building and design industry. Often, getting a liquor license approved requires a “Municipal Significance” designation or specific zoning changes. The lawyers at Cassels are experts at navigating these political waters. While they are a large firm, they provide very detailed attention to the specific needs of the hospitality sector, ensuring that your building’s design doesn’t run afoul of local bylaws or provincial mandates.
What makes them a top choice is their ability to integrate liquor law with other areas of practice, like real estate and construction law. This holistic approach is perfect for developers who need a one-stop shop for all their legal needs. They have a long history of success in front of the AGCO and the courts, making them a reliable, albeit more traditional, choice for high-stakes projects across the province.
3. Fogler, Rubinoff LLP
Fogler, Rubinoff LLP is well-known in the Toronto area for its strong ties to the restaurant and hospitality industry. They have a dedicated group of lawyers who focus on the regulatory aspects of food and beverage service. For home builders who are creating “live-work” spaces or commercial units within residential buildings, Fogler, Rubinoff provides excellent guidance on how to structure these businesses to ensure they are compliant with Ontario’s strict alcohol laws.
They offer a wide range of services, including assisting with the initial application for a liquor license and representing clients during inspections or disciplinary hearings. Their lawyers are very practical and understand that time is money in the construction and design world. They work quickly to resolve issues that might be holding up a project’s grand opening. Their client list includes everything from small boutique bars to large-scale entertainment venues, giving them a broad range of experience to draw from.
In addition to licensing, they are also experts in employment law and commercial leasing within the hospitality sector. This is incredibly helpful for designers and builders who are helping a client set up a brand-new business from scratch. Having a lawyer who understands both the physical requirements of a bar and the legal requirements of the staff who will work there is a major advantage.
4. WeirFoulds LLP
WeirFoulds LLP is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected law firms, with a very strong focus on government relations and regulatory law. This makes them an excellent choice for liquor licensing in Ontario, as so much of the process involves dealing with government agencies like the AGCO. For developers who are building large community centers or multi-use facilities, WeirFoulds offers the high-level expertise needed to manage complex licensing structures.
They are particularly adept at handling “public interest” issues. Sometimes, a neighborhood might object to a new liquor license being granted in a residential area. WeirFoulds has a proven track-record of representing developers and business owners in these sensitive situations, helping to find a middle ground that allows the project to move forward while satisfying the concerns of the community and the regulators. Their experience in land use and planning law is a perfect match for the home building and renovation industry.
Their lawyers are often called upon to provide advice on legislative changes, meaning they are always ahead of the curve when the provincial government updates liquor laws. This foresight is invaluable for designers who are planning projects that might not be completed for several years. Knowing what the laws will look like in the future helps ensure that a design remains compliant long after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
5. Macdonald Sager LLP
Macdonald Sager LLP is a boutique firm that punches well above its weight class in the world of business and hospitality law. They have a very personal approach, which is often appreciated by custom home builders and independent restaurant owners. They specialize in the “business of hospitality,” which includes everything from the initial setup of a corporation to the final approval of a liquor license. They are very active in the Toronto hospitality scene and have their finger on the pulse of the latest trends.
One of their strengths is helping clients with the transfer of liquor licenses. In the world of real estate and renovations, many people buy an existing building with the intention of turning it into something new. Macdonald Sager makes the process of taking over an existing license smooth and painless, ensuring that there is no gap in service that could hurt the business’s bottom line. They are also very skilled at drafting management agreements for bars and restaurants.
For designers, Macdonald Sager is a great resource for understanding the specific physical requirements of a licensed premise. They can provide clear checklists on what the AGCO looks for during a final inspection, such as kitchen requirements, washroom ratios, and seating capacities. This helps ensure that the design isn’t just beautiful, but also legally functional.
6. Aird & Berlis LLP
Aird & Berlis LLP is a powerhouse in municipal law and land use planning. Because liquor licensing in Ontario is so closely tied to where a building is located and how it is zoned, this firm is a natural fit for developers and builders. They understand the “ground-up” process of taking a piece of land and turning it into a thriving, licensed venue. Their expertise is particularly useful for those building large-scale developments like condos with integrated retail and dining spaces.
Their team is excellent at handling the many layers of approval required for a liquor license. This includes dealing with the fire department, health department, and building inspectors. For a builder, having a lawyer who can coordinate these different moving parts is a massive relief. Aird & Berlis ensures that all the “t’s” are crossed and “i’s” are dotted, so there are no surprises when it comes time to open the doors.
They also have a strong litigation team if a license application is contested. They have represented clients at all levels of court and before various administrative tribunals. Their deep roots in the Ontario legal community give them a level of influence and respect that can be very beneficial when navigating the often-bureaucratic world of liquor licensing.
7. Giffen LLP
Based in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, Giffen LLP is a fantastic choice for those working on projects outside of the immediate Toronto core. They have a deep understanding of the regional nuances of liquor law and have built strong relationships with local municipal offices throughout Southwestern Ontario. For home builders and renovators working in growing cities like Guelph, Cambridge, or London, Giffen LLP offers localized expertise that big Toronto firms might lack.
They provide a full suite of services for the hospitality industry, including licensing, renewals, and transfers. They are known for being very approachable and providing practical, common-sense advice. If you are a homeowner looking to add a licensed “tasting room” to your rural property or a developer building a new suburban social club, Giffen LLP can guide you through the specific challenges of those environments.
What sets them apart is their commitment to the local business community. They understand the economic drivers of the region and work hard to help their clients succeed. Their lawyers are active in the community and have a reputation for being honest, hardworking, and very effective at getting licenses approved in a timely manner.
8. Pallett Valo LLP
Pallett Valo LLP is the largest law firm in Peel Region, serving Mississauga, Brampton, and the surrounding areas. They have a very strong business law practice that includes a focus on the hospitality sector. For builders and designers working in the western GTA, Pallett Valo is a go-to resource for liquor licensing. They are experts at helping businesses navigate the transition from the construction phase to the operational phase.
Their lawyers are particularly skilled at the administrative side of liquor law. They can help with everything from filing the initial application to responding to AGCO “show cause” notices. For a developer, this means having a partner who can handle the paperwork while they focus on the build. Pallett Valo is known for its “Right-Sized” approach, providing the expertise of a large firm with the personal touch of a smaller one.
They also offer great advice on risk management. For anyone designing a space that will serve alcohol, understanding liability is crucial. Pallett Valo can help you understand your responsibilities under the Occupiers’ Liability Act and the Liquor Licence and Control Act, ensuring that your space is designed and operated in a way that minimizes the risk of lawsuits or regulatory fines.
9. Gardiner Roberts LLP
Gardiner Roberts LLP is a mid-sized firm in Toronto that offers a very high level of specialization in regulatory and administrative law. They have a long history of representing clients before the AGCO and are experts at handling complex licensing issues that involve multiple stakeholders. For designers working on unique projects like pop-up bars, temporary event spaces, or unconventional venues, Gardiner Roberts provides the creative legal thinking needed to make those projects a reality.
They are very detail-oriented, which is exactly what you want when dealing with liquor laws. A small mistake on a floor plan or a missing document can set a project back by months. The team at Gardiner Roberts is meticulous in their preparation, ensuring that every application is perfect before it is submitted. They also provide excellent representation for businesses that are facing sanctions or license suspensions.
Their firm is also well-versed in the world of intellectual property and branding. For a new hospitality venture, your brand is just as important as your building. Gardiner Roberts can help you protect your trademarks while simultaneously securing your liquor license, providing a comprehensive legal shield for your new business.
10. Miller Thomson LLP
Miller Thomson LLP is a national firm with a massive presence in Ontario, with offices in Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, Waterloo, and London. Their hospitality group is vast and handles everything from small local bars to national restaurant chains. For a builder or developer with projects in multiple cities across Ontario, Miller Thomson offers a level of consistency and reach that is hard to beat. They can handle liquor licensing for a whole portfolio of properties simultaneously.
They are particularly strong in the area of corporate restructuring and its impact on liquor licenses. If you are part of a development group that is changing its ownership structure, Miller Thomson can ensure that your liquor licenses remain valid throughout the transition. This is a complex area of law that requires a high level of expertise to avoid accidental cancellations of licenses.
Despite their size, they are very active in providing resources and updates to the hospitality industry. They understand that the industry is constantly changing and they work hard to keep their clients informed. For a designer or builder, Miller Thomson is a reliable partner that provides a wealth of knowledge and a very high level of professional service.
Conclusion
Building or renovating a space that involves the sale of alcohol is a major undertaking. It requires a perfect blend of aesthetic vision, structural integrity, and legal compliance. In Ontario, the margin for error with the AGCO is very slim, and a mistake can be incredibly costly. That is why choosing the right liquor lawyer is just as important as choosing the right architect or contractor. Whether you are looking for a modern, specialized firm like Substance Law or a large national firm like Miller Thomson, the experts on this list have the skills to help you succeed.
By bringing a liquor lawyer into your project early, you can ensure that your designs are compliant, your applications are handled professionally, and your business is set up for long-term success. Don’t let the complexity of Ontario’s liquor laws stop you from creating the next great hospitality destination. With the right legal team in your corner, you can focus on what you do best: building and designing beautiful spaces that bring people together.