# Smart Serve for security and door staff

> Do bouncers and security staff need Smart Serve in Ontario? Yes, if the licensee employs them. Here’s what the rules mean at the door: ID, capacity, intoxication.

Canonical: https://smartservepracticetest.ca/for/security-staff
Last updated: 2026-10-26

Security staff are named in the AGCO’s training standard: a licensee must make sure the **security staff it employs** hold a valid certificate from an approved course. At a stadium, that includes security the licensee uses.

## Your job at the door, by the rules

- **ID:** where the licence bars people under 19, ID must be checked before admitting anyone who appears under 19. Use good light and hold the card yourself. [ID guide](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/checking-id-ontario).
- **Intoxication:** the AGCO says door staff should be trained to spot intoxication and refuse entry to anyone who appears intoxicated.
- **Capacity:** the count includes staff, and separate licensed areas can’t be combined. Know the limit for each area.
- **Outside:** the licensee must take reasonable steps to deter disorderly conduct near the premises; the AGCO suggests door staff check outside periodically.
- **Inspectors and police:** AGCO inspectors and police on duty must be given access.

## Handling trouble

- Stay calm and professional, involve a manager, and call police when needed.
- Note a description of anyone who becomes abusive.
- The licensee must not permit drugs, unlawful gambling or disorderly conduct on the premises.
- Keep an incident log and review it with the team.

Practise with the [ID quiz](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/practice/checking-id) or the [full practice test](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/smart-serve-practice-test).

## Questions people ask

### Do bouncers need Smart Serve in Ontario?

Yes, if the licensee employs them as security. The AGCO’s Registrar’s standard names security staff the licensee employs, or at a stadium uses, as people who must hold a valid certificate.

### Can door staff refuse entry to someone who is intoxicated?

Yes. The AGCO recommends refusing entry to anyone who appears intoxicated, and suggests a door sign saying management may refuse entry to intoxicated or underage people.

## Sources

- [AGCO: Registrar’s Interim Standards and Requirements for Liquor](https://www.agco.ca/en/alcohol/registrars-interim-standards-and-requirements-liquor) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [AGCO: Information sheet, house policies](https://www.agco.ca/en/alcohol/information-sheet-house-policies) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [AGCO: Information sheet, recognizing intoxication](https://www.agco.ca/en/alcohol/information-sheet-recognizing-intoxication) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [AGCO: Tips for identifying minors](https://www.agco.ca/en/alcohol/tips-identifying-minors) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [O. Reg. 746/21: Licensing (e-Laws)](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r21746) (checked 2026-10-26)

Not affiliated with Smart Serve Ontario or the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

## Related

- [Checking ID in Ontario](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/checking-id-ontario)
- [Signs of intoxication](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/signs-of-intoxication)
- [Smart Serve for managers and licence holders](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/for/managers-and-owners)
- [How to get your Smart Serve certificate](https://smartservepracticetest.ca/smart-serve-certificate)