Free mock test · 33 questions
Smart Serve practice test
Smart Serve practice test
About 33 questions, answers explained as you go
Like the real test, you pass with 80%. A new random set every time, from 128 questions.
How this mock test matches the real one
| Real Smart Serve final test | This practice test | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 33, multiple choice, randomly generated | 33, drawn from 128 of our own |
| Pass mark | 80% | 80% (27 of 33) |
| Time | About 30 minutes, in one sitting | No timer: take your time |
| Attempts | 2 per course purchase | As many as you like, free |
| Where | Online, proctored by webcam | Here, no sign-up |
What the questions cover
- The law and your responsibilities: legal ages, who must be certified, hours of sale, the 45-minute clean-up, delivery and takeout rules, minimum prices, contests and penalties. Practise just this part.
- Checking ID and minors: when to ask, what ID is acceptable, spotting fakes, minors on licensed premises and 18-year-old staff. Practise ID questions.
- Alcohol, intoxication and refusing service: the signs of intoxication, standard drinks, what affects blood alcohol and how to stop service. Practise intoxication questions.
- Safety, liability and incidents: civil liability, impaired driving limits, disorderly conduct, drugs, cannabis smoking rules and events.
Tips for using the practice test
- 1
Take one full test cold
See where you stand before you study. Don’t worry about the score yet.
- 2
Read every explanation
The “why” under each answer is the rule. Knowing the rule beats memorizing an answer, because the real test words things differently.
- 3
Drill your weak section
Use the topic quizzes for ID, intoxication or the law.
- 4
Aim well above 80%
If you’re scoring 30 or more out of 33 a few times in a row, you know the material.
Study every question
The law and your responsibilities (38)
What is the youngest age at which someone can sell or serve liquor for a licensee in Ontario?
Answer: 18
The licensee must make sure anyone who sells, serves, delivers, handles or samples liquor on its behalf is at least 18.
What is the legal age to buy, have or drink alcohol in Ontario?
Answer: 19
No one under 19 may have, drink, buy or try to buy liquor.
Who must hold a valid certificate from an AGCO-approved training course?
Answer: Everyone who sells, serves, samples or delivers liquor or takes liquor orders
The Registrar’s standard covers every person involved in the sale, service, sampling or delivery of liquor, or in taking liquor orders.
A bar hires its own security staff to work the door. Do they need certification?
Answer: Yes: security staff the licensee employs must hold a valid certificate
The training standard names security staff the licensee employs (or, at a stadium, uses) as people who must be certified.
At a golf course with a liquor licence, who must be certified besides servers?
Answer: Course marshals and staff selling liquor from motorized carts
For golf course endorsements, employees selling from motorized vending carts and course marshals must hold a valid certificate.
How long is a Smart Serve certificate valid?
Answer: 5 years from the date it’s issued
Smart Serve certificates are valid for five years from the date of issue. The AGCO set a five-year term for all liquor training certificates.
Your Smart Serve certificate expired last month. What do you need to do?
Answer: Buy and complete the course and final test again
An expired certificate can’t be renewed at the reduced rate. You repurchase and retake the course and final test.
A coworker has only a liquor retail training certificate from a grocery store job. Can they serve drinks at your restaurant?
Answer: No: retail-only certificates don’t cover service outside a retail store
The AGCO says people with only a liquor retail training certificate may not sell, serve, deliver or take orders outside a retail store setting.
When can an AGCO inspector ask for proof that a staff member is certified?
Answer: At any time
AGCO inspectors may ask a licensee for proof of a staff member’s certification at any time. Keeping copies is recommended.
On a normal day, when may a licensed bar or restaurant sell and serve liquor?
Answer: 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Liquor may be sold and served from 9 a.m. until 2 a.m. the next day, unless the licence sets shorter hours.
On New Year’s Eve, licensed establishments may serve until…
Answer: 3 a.m. on January 1
The regulation allows sale and service from 9 a.m. on December 31 until 3 a.m. on January 1.
After service ends, how long does a licensee have to clear away drinks and other evidence of liquor?
Answer: 45 minutes
Evidence of liquor served and consumed must be removed within 45 minutes after the end of sale hours: by 2:45 a.m. on a normal night.
Between what hours may liquor be delivered to a customer?
Answer: 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Liquor must be delivered only between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on any day.
Grocery and convenience stores licensed to sell alcohol may sell it between…
Answer: 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Retail licensees may make liquor available to customers only between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Under Ontario law, you must not sell or serve liquor to a person who…
Answer: Is or appears to be intoxicated
No person may sell or supply liquor, or allow it to be sold or supplied, to anyone who is or appears to be intoxicated.
The required warning sign about drinking during pregnancy must be at least what size?
Answer: 8 by 10 inches
The sign must be at least 8 inches by 10 inches and posted prominently where liquor is sold and served.
Every licensed establishment must post a sign warning about…
Answer: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy
The Act requires a prescribed sign warning of the dangers of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder wherever liquor is sold or served.
What is the lowest price, taxes included, a bar may charge for a standard serving of beer or wine?
Answer: $2.00
For servings other than spirits over 14.8% alcohol, the minimum is $2.00 for a standard serving (341 mL beer, 142 mL wine), adjusted in proportion for other sizes.
A manager wants to run a contest where the prize goes to whoever buys the most pints. Is it allowed?
Answer: No: contests involving buying or drinking liquor aren’t allowed
Licensees must not permit contests on the premises that involve the purchase or consumption of liquor.
Can a nightclub make guests buy a minimum number of drinks to get in or stay?
Answer: No
Licensees may not require a person to buy a minimum number of drinks to enter or remain on the premises.
What must a licensed establishment offer besides alcohol?
Answer: A variety of non-alcoholic drinks at moderate prices
Licensees must have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages for sale at moderate prices compared with liquor.
A guest orders a rum and cola, but you’re out of that rum. What may you do?
Answer: Use another liquor only if the guest agrees
Licensees must not substitute one type of liquor for another in a drink unless the patron consents.
A guest who appears intoxicated wants to take home the rest of their bottle of wine. What should happen?
Answer: Don’t let them take it: the law doesn’t allow it for someone who is or appears intoxicated
Resealed wine can normally leave with the guest, but not when the patron is or appears to be intoxicated.
A restaurant sells a bottle of wine with a takeout order. Which is required?
Answer: The wine is bought with food and leaves with it in a securely closed container
Takeout liquor must be bought with food, leave together with the food in a securely closed container, and go out between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Liquor ordered for delivery may be handed only to a person who…
Answer: Is at least 19, is at the order address and doesn’t appear intoxicated
Delivery must go to a person who is at least 19, located at the address on the order, and who does not appear intoxicated.
Where may liquor be delivered?
Answer: To a residence or a private place
Liquor must only be delivered to a residence or private place, unopened and untampered with.
When counting people against the capacity on the liquor licence, who counts?
Answer: Everyone on the premises, including staff
The number of persons on the premises, including employees, must not exceed the capacity stated on the licence.
Police officers arrive at your bar during their duties. What does the licensee have to do?
Answer: Give them access to the premises
The licensee must give police officers acting in their duties access to the premises, including washrooms, liquor, food prep and storage areas.
If a licensee is convicted of selling liquor to someone under 19, what also happens to the licence?
Answer: It must be suspended for at least seven days
On a conviction for selling to a minor, a licensee faces a fine and the licence must be suspended for at least seven days.
What is the maximum fine for an individual convicted of a general offence under the Act (other than selling to a minor)?
Answer: $100,000
An individual can be fined up to $100,000, jailed up to one year, or both, for most offences under the Act.
Your house policy says one thing and the law says another. Which applies?
Answer: The law: house policies don’t override the Act, regulations or standards
The AGCO says house policies are not law and do not override the Act, its regulations or the Registrar’s standards.
When may a server buy a guest a drink at the listed price?
Answer: Now and then, to mark a special occasion or make up for poor service
Staff may buy a patron a drink at the listed price for things like regular patronage, a celebration or poor service, but not as a promotion, at regular intervals or to entice more purchases.
Which of these is a licensee NOT allowed to do?
Answer: Run a “five shots in five minutes” challenge
Licensees must not engage in or permit practices that tend to encourage immoderate drinking, such as drinking contests or challenges.
How must liquor be sold and served in a licensed establishment?
Answer: Under the supervision of an employee the licensee authorizes
Liquor must be sold, offered for sale and served only under the supervision of an employee authorized by the licensee.
The bar wants to infuse a vodka with fruit and sell it. Is that allowed?
Answer: Yes, if guests are told about the change when it’s sold
A licensee may add a substance or change the flavour of liquor as long as the patron is told about it at the time of sale or service.
Which information must a licensee post or make available to guests?
Answer: The drinks available, how much liquor is in each, non-alcoholic options and prices
Licensees must list the liquor available, the amount of liquor in each drink, the non-alcoholic drinks and the prices.
A bar wants a vending machine for single cans of beer. Which rule applies?
Answer: A certified employee must be present and control access to the machine
Since September 2026, liquor vending machines are allowed indoors in supervised areas, with a certified employee present who controls access and watches them at all times.
Which device is banned in licensed premises?
Answer: A device that mixes alcohol with oxygen to make a mist you inhale
Licensees must not have or permit “alcohol without liquid” vaporizers that turn alcohol into an inhalable mist.
Checking ID and minors (32)
By law, before serving a guest you must check their ID if they…
Answer: Appear to be under 19
The licensee must make sure ID is inspected before liquor is sold or served to anyone who appears to be under 19.
Smart Serve recommends checking ID when a guest looks younger than…
Answer: 25
The legal test is “appears under 19”. Smart Serve advises checking anyone who looks under 25 so you don’t guess wrong.
Under the regulation, what makes a document an acceptable piece of ID?
Answer: It has the person’s photo and date of birth and appears issued by a government or the LCBO
An “item of identification” includes a photo, states the date of birth and reasonably appears to be issued by a government or the LCBO.
A guest shows an Ontario driver’s licence that expired last year. What should you do?
Answer: Don’t accept it: expired ID isn’t valid
Valid ID must be current. The AGCO says expired ID is not valid.
A guest shows you a photo of their driver’s licence on their phone. Is it acceptable?
Answer: No: you must check the physical ID
Copies and photos of ID are not acceptable. You must check the physical card.
Which of these is NOT acceptable proof of age?
Answer: A college student card
Student cards aren’t government-issued ID. Smart Serve says never accept them.
Can you ask a guest for their Ontario health card as ID?
Answer: No, but you may accept it if they offer it
You can’t require an Ontario health card or record the number. If a guest offers it voluntarily, you may accept it at your discretion.
Which of these is on the AGCO’s list of acceptable ID?
Answer: Canadian Armed Forces identification card
The AGCO’s list includes the Canadian Armed Forces ID card, along with driver’s licences, Photo Cards, passports and other government photo ID.
A tourist from Germany shows a valid German passport. Can you accept it?
Answer: Yes: equivalent foreign photo ID like a valid passport is acceptable
The AGCO lists equivalent foreign photo ID, such as a valid passport or European Union identity card, as acceptable.
An Ontario licence or Photo Card issued to a 16- to 18-year-old shows…
Answer: An “AGE 19” banner with the date they turn 19
Cards for 16- to 18-year-olds carry an “AGE 19” banner near the bottom, beside the date of birth, with the exact date the holder turns 19.
On an Ontario driver’s licence, the licence number starts with…
Answer: The first letter of the holder’s last name
The licence number begins with the first letter of the last name, which you can match against the name on the card.
On an Ontario driver’s licence number, the 9th and 10th digits should match…
Answer: The last two digits of the birth year
The 9th and 10th digits (separated by a dash) match the last two digits of the year of birth. A mismatch is a red flag.
What’s the best way to look at a guest’s ID?
Answer: Hold it yourself and examine it closely
The AGCO says to take your time, hold the ID yourself rather than letting the patron flash it, and check the photo, birth date and expiry.
You feel extra thickness around the photo on a licence. What might it mean?
Answer: A second photo may have been laminated over the original
Extra thickness around the photo or lamination edges can mean a new photo was laminated over the original.
The digits in a birth date look thicker and darker than the other numbers. What does that suggest?
Answer: The date may have been altered
Numbers and letters should match in thickness, weight and colour. Altered characters often look heavier or darker.
You’re not sure an ID is real. What’s a good next step?
Answer: Ask simple questions, like their postal code or middle name spelling, or ask for a second ID
If you suspect fake ID, ask quick questions to check details or ask for a second piece of ID. If doubt remains, don’t serve.
A guest who looks about 18 says they left their ID at home. What do you do?
Answer: Refuse service: no ID, no sale
If someone appears to be under 19 and has no acceptable ID, you can’t serve them. The AGCO’s rule of thumb: no ID = no sale.
How should you refuse service to someone who may be under 19?
Answer: Politely decline, explain the law doesn’t allow it, and get a manager if needed
Decline courteously, explain that the law prohibits selling to minors, point to signage and ask a supervisor for help if needed.
The door staff checked IDs at the entrance, but a guest at your table looks very young. What should you do?
Answer: Ask for their ID yourself
Servers stay responsible for not serving minors even when the door has checked ID. When in doubt, ask.
A 17-year-old shows their older sister’s driver’s licence to buy a drink. Who is breaking the law?
Answer: The 17-year-old: it’s an offence to use ID not issued to you to buy liquor
No one may present documentation other than ID lawfully issued to them to get liquor. Minors also may not try to buy liquor.
You served a guest after checking a driver’s licence that looked genuine, and it later turned out to be fake. What helps protect you?
Answer: You checked the ID and had no apparent reason to doubt it
The Act says relying on prescribed ID is not a breach of the “appears under 19” rules if there was no apparent reason to doubt it was real or belonged to the person.
A 15-year-old is having dinner with their parents in your licensed restaurant. Which is true?
Answer: They can be there, but they can’t be served or have alcohol
Minors may be on licensed premises unless the licence prohibits it, but no one under 19 may have or drink liquor there.
A parent at your restaurant wants to pour a glass of wine for their 17-year-old. What’s the rule?
Answer: Not allowed: the parent exception only applies in a residence or private place
The Act lets a parent supply liquor to their child only in a residence or prescribed private place, not in a licensed establishment.
Your new coworker is 18. Which is true?
Answer: They can carry and serve liquor at work but can’t drink it
An 18-year-old may handle and possess liquor during their employment, but the drinking age is still 19.
A bar’s licence bans people under 19. Can an 18-year-old employee work there?
Answer: Yes, while on the premises for their job
The ban on under-19s entering doesn’t apply to an 18-year-old employed there while they are working.
You’re delivering a liquor order and the person at the door looks about 17. What must you do?
Answer: Inspect their ID before handing over the liquor
Before liquor is delivered to someone who appears to be under 19, their ID must be inspected. No valid ID, no delivery.
A hotel guest who is 17 asks for the key to the room’s mini bar. What’s the rule?
Answer: Don’t give it: mini bar keys can’t go to anyone under 19
The licensee must make sure a mini bar key or access device is not given to anyone under 19.
Can the AGCO send young people into a bar to test whether staff check ID?
Answer: Yes: the Act allows youth under 19 to be appointed to monitor compliance
The Registrar may appoint individuals under 19 to monitor compliance with the Act, regulations and standards.
If you’re charged with serving someone who “appeared to be under 19”, how is that decided?
Answer: The court can decide from the person’s appearance and the circumstances
In a prosecution, the court may determine from the person’s appearance and other circumstances whether they appeared under 19.
A guest gets angry when you ask for ID. What should you do?
Answer: Stay calm, hold your position and get a manager
Stay professional, hold your position (the law requires the check), refer them to a manager and call police if needed.
Where should you check an ID?
Answer: In good lighting, looking at holograms, seals and dates
Smart Serve says to check ID in good lighting and look for intact holograms and seals and any signs of tampering.
A licensee lets a minor buy liquor. According to the AGCO, what can it face?
Answer: A monetary penalty and a licence suspension or revocation
The AGCO says licensees who let a minor buy liquor or cannabis may face a monetary penalty of up to $100,000 and licence suspension or revocation.
Alcohol, intoxication and refusing service (31)
A guest shows one possible sign of intoxication. What does the AGCO say about one sign?
Answer: One sign alone doesn’t confirm it: keep watching for others
Signs appear in any order or in clusters, and one sign alone doesn’t confirm intoxication. Watch closely.
Which of these is a speech sign of intoxication?
Answer: Slurring or running words together
Slurred speech, unusual loudness or softness, and speech that is too fast or too slow are all signs the AGCO lists.
A guest keeps dropping coins and fumbling with their phone. This is a sign of…
Answer: Reduced fine motor control
Fumbling with money, phones or paper and misjudging distances are signs of reduced fine motor control.
Swaying, stumbling and bumping into furniture are signs of…
Answer: Reduced gross motor control
Trouble standing or walking straight, swaying and holding arms out for balance show reduced gross motor control.
A guest takes a long time to answer and you have to repeat simple questions. This suggests…
Answer: Lowered alertness, a sign of intoxication
Slow responses, trouble following conversation and confusion are alertness signs on the AGCO list.
Besides bloodshot eyes, what eye sign may point to cannabis intoxication?
Answer: Eyelid tremors or dilated pupils
The AGCO notes bloodshot eyes for both, and that cannabis may also cause eyelid tremors or dilated pupils.
Why might an intoxicated guest look drowsy, with a fixed or glassy gaze?
Answer: Alcohol and cannabis are depressants
Both alcohol and cannabis are depressants, so tiredness, heavy eyelids and a glassy stare are common signs.
A guest tells you they used cannabis before arriving. Why does that matter for service?
Answer: Cannabis can add to intoxication and its signs look like alcohol’s
The AGCO says to ask whether guests have been drinking or using cannabis elsewhere. Both affect the same signs you watch for.
A guest shows the first signs of intoxication. What should you do?
Answer: Keep watching and offer food, water or low- or no-alcohol drinks
At initial signs, monitor the guest and slow their drinking with food, water and lower- or non-alcoholic options.
A guest shows several clear signs of intoxication. What does the AGCO say to do?
Answer: Stop serving alcohol and make sure they have a safe way home
With multiple signs, serve no more alcohol under any circumstances, manage the situation, make sure they get home safely and call police if needed.
How does food help when guests are drinking?
Answer: It slows alcohol absorption and tends to slow drinking
Food slows the absorption of alcohol and usually slows the pace of drinking.
Which question can help you judge whether to keep serving a guest?
Answer: Have you eaten, or been drinking somewhere else tonight?
The AGCO suggests asking guests whether they’ve eaten or have been drinking or using cannabis elsewhere.
A guest arrives at the door already showing signs of intoxication. What should door staff do?
Answer: Refuse entry
The AGCO says to train door staff to recognize intoxication and refuse entry to anyone who appears intoxicated.
Under O. Reg. 746/21, the licensee must not permit intoxication…
Answer: On the premises or in adjacent areas it controls
The licensee must not permit intoxication, unlawful gambling or disorderly conduct on the premises or in adjacent areas under its exclusive control.
How much pure alcohol is in one standard drink in Canada?
Answer: 17.05 mL (13.45 g)
A Canadian standard drink contains 17.05 mL, or 13.45 g, of pure alcohol.
Which of these is one standard drink?
Answer: 341 mL (12 oz) of 5% beer
One standard drink is a 341 mL bottle of beer or cider at 5% alcohol.
One standard drink of 12% wine is about…
Answer: 142 mL (5 oz)
A 142 mL (5 oz) glass of 12% wine is one standard drink.
One standard drink of 40% spirits is about…
Answer: 43 mL (1.5 oz)
A 43 mL (1.5 oz) shot of 40% spirits is one standard drink.
A double of 40% spirits (86 mL, about 3 oz) counts as how many standard drinks?
Answer: 2
One standard drink of 40% spirits is 43 mL, so 86 mL is two.
About how many standard drinks are in a 473 mL can of 5% beer?
Answer: About 1.4
473 mL × 5% = about 23.7 mL of pure alcohol. Divided by 17.05 mL per standard drink, that’s about 1.4.
Compared with a 341 mL bottle of 5% beer, a 341 mL bottle of 10% beer has…
Answer: About twice the alcohol
Alcohol content scales with strength: same volume at double the percentage means double the pure alcohol, about two standard drinks.
The Smart Serve BAC chart assumes the body clears alcohol at about what rate?
Answer: About one standard drink per hour
The chart assumes roughly one standard drink processed per hour, and notes real rates vary from person to person.
Which of these is NOT a factor that affects blood alcohol concentration?
Answer: The colour of the drink
Smart Serve lists factors such as body size, body fat, food, medications and other drugs, metabolism, health, hydration and fitness. The colour of a drink isn’t one.
An intoxicated guest asks for “one more for the road.” What do you do?
Answer: Refuse, offer a non-alcoholic drink and help arrange a safe ride
You can’t serve someone who is or appears intoxicated, whatever their plans. Help them get home safely instead.
What does the AGCO recommend managers tell staff about refusing service?
Answer: Management will back them when they refuse service to minors or intoxicated guests
The AGCO recommends written house policies and telling staff management will support them when they refuse service.
Which house policy does the AGCO recommend to discourage intoxication?
Answer: Limit the number of drinks sold to one person at a time
The AGCO suggests limiting drinks sold to one person at a time and discouraging drinking games.
What does the AGCO recommend about staff drinking on the job?
Answer: Prohibit it for all staff and managers
The AGCO’s house policy sheet recommends prohibiting drinking on the job for all staff and managers.
You’re delivering beer and the customer at the door is slurring and swaying. What do you do?
Answer: Don’t hand over the liquor
Delivered liquor may go only to a person who does not appear to be intoxicated.
Which practice does the AGCO suggest to help prevent intoxication?
Answer: Promote low- and non-alcoholic drinks and price them competitively
Offering and promoting appealing low- and non-alcoholic options at good prices helps guests pace themselves.
Under Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health (2023), how many drinks a week is “low risk”?
Answer: 1 to 2
The 2023 guidance sets low risk at 1–2 standard drinks a week, moderate at 3–6 and increasingly high at 7 or more.
For bottle service areas, what does the AGCO suggest?
Answer: A separate policy, such as pour spouts and staff or security nearby
The AGCO suggests a separate bottle-service policy: pour spouts, staff or security nearby and removing bottles if guests don’t comply.
Safety, liability and incidents (27)
A server keeps serving a visibly drunk guest, who then injures someone on the drive home. Under the Act, who can the injured person sue?
Answer: The seller of the liquor, whose employee served it
If liquor is sold to someone who would apparently be intoxicated by it, and they then injure another person, that person can recover compensation from the seller.
If an over-served guest dies by accident while intoxicated, what can happen?
Answer: The family can bring an action against the seller
The Act lets a family claim under the Family Law Act against the person whose employee sold the liquor.
An intoxicated guest grabs their car keys and heads for the door. What does the AGCO say to do?
Answer: Try to arrange a safe way home and call police if necessary
With an intoxicated guest, make sure they have a safe way home and call police if necessary.
In Canada, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more is…
Answer: A criminal offence
Driving at 0.08 or more is criminal, with an immediate 90-day licence suspension in Ontario plus other penalties.
In Ontario, a BAC from 0.05 to 0.079 is called…
Answer: The warn range, with immediate licence suspensions
Ontario’s warn range is 0.05 to 0.079, and drivers in it face immediate licence suspensions and penalties.
Which drivers must have zero alcohol in their system in Ontario?
Answer: Drivers 21 and under and G1, G2, M1 and M2 licence holders
Zero tolerance applies to drivers 21 and under, novice (G1, G2, M1, M2) drivers and certain commercial drivers.
How do Ontario’s penalties for drug-impaired driving, including cannabis, compare with alcohol?
Answer: They’re the same as for alcohol-impaired driving
Ontario says penalties for drug-impaired driving are the same as for alcohol, and a combination of drugs and alcohol also counts.
What must a licensee do about disorderly conduct near the premises?
Answer: Take reasonable measures to deter it and limit harm to nearby property
The licensee must make reasonable efforts to deter disorderly conduct on nearby property and minimize harm caused by patrons or people waiting to enter or leave.
You see a guest selling pills in the washroom. What does the law expect of the licensee?
Answer: Not to permit it: controlled substances can’t be held, sold or used on the premises
The licensee must not permit anyone to hold, sell, supply or consume a controlled substance on the premises or adjacent areas it controls.
A guest lights up a joint inside your licensed bar. Which law does that break?
Answer: The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, which bans smoking cannabis in enclosed public places and workplaces
The AGCO notes the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits smoking or vaping tobacco or cannabis in enclosed public places and workplaces, including licensed establishments.
Which activity must a licensee not permit on the premises?
Answer: Unlawful gambling
The licensee must not permit intoxication, unlawful gambling or disorderly conduct on the premises.
Who must keep control over the premises, including who enters and stays?
Answer: The licensee or a manager the licensee appoints
The licensee or an appointed manager must maintain control over the premises, including who may enter or remain.
Why keep an incident log, according to the AGCO?
Answer: To record incidents and review them with staff to improve practice
The AGCO recommends keeping an incident log, reviewing it with staff and discussing best practices.
What does the AGCO recommend about emergency numbers?
Answer: Post them prominently and make sure staff know emergency procedures
Post emergency numbers prominently and make sure all staff know the emergency procedures.
What does the AGCO suggest as part of a safe transportation plan?
Answer: Have taxi and transit contacts ready for staff and advertise the plan
Identify transport options, confirm arrangements with transport companies, keep contact info handy for staff and advertise the plan.
A bar has two licensed areas, each with its own capacity. Can it combine them into one bigger number?
Answer: No: capacities of separate licensed areas can’t be combined
The AGCO says capacities of separate licensed areas cannot be combined, and door staff should know each area’s limit.
A guest you refused becomes aggressive. Which response does the AGCO recommend?
Answer: Stay calm, refer them to a manager, call police if needed and note their description
Stay calm and professional, involve a supervisor, call police if necessary and note descriptive details.
Being intoxicated in a place the public can access, like a sidewalk, is…
Answer: An offence, and police can arrest without warrant if needed for safety
No person may be intoxicated in a place the public can access. Police may arrest without a warrant if it’s necessary for anyone’s safety.
A patio with live music is bothering people who live nearby. What does the regulation say?
Answer: The licensee must not let entertainment noise disturb nearby residents
A licensee with outdoor premises must not permit noise from entertainment or liquor service that disturbs people living nearby.
A charity will sell drinks at a public fundraiser in a community hall. What do they need?
Answer: A special occasion permit (public event)
Selling or serving alcohol outside a licensed establishment, residence or private place needs a special occasion permit. Fundraisers open to the public use a public event permit.
You’re planning the bar at an event. Which practice does Smart Serve recommend?
Answer: Close the bar well before the event ends
Smart Serve suggests closing the bar well before the end, serving guests rather than self-serve, and avoiding drink-ticket bundles and roaming refills.
Which activity should you avoid planning at an event where alcohol is served?
Answer: Swimming
Smart Serve advises against planning physical activities such as swimming or skiing at events with alcohol.
Smart Serve teaches that a host’s responsibility for guests lasts…
Answer: Until they sober up, not just until they leave
Hosts may be held responsible for injuries or damage from the alcohol they provide; their duty runs until guests are sober.
What security must a special occasion permit holder provide?
Answer: Enough to keep out uninvited people and make sure the permit and the Act are followed
Permit holders must provide security sufficient to keep unauthorized people out and ensure the permit conditions and the Act are observed.
What can happen to an employer’s liquor licence if staff break the liquor rules?
Answer: It can be suspended or revoked
Staff violations can lead to suspension or revocation of the licence, as Smart Serve and the AGCO both warn.
What does the AGCO suggest posting at the door?
Answer: A sign saying management may refuse entry to intoxicated or underage people
The AGCO’s house policy sheet suggests a door sign stating management may refuse entry to intoxicated or underage people.
What does the AGCO suggest door staff or security do during the night?
Answer: Periodically check outside the establishment to keep order
Door staff or security should periodically check outside the establishment to maintain order.
Questions people ask
+Is this the real Smart Serve test?
No. It’s an independent practice test with our own questions. The real test is taken online through Smart Serve Ontario after you finish the official course. We’re not affiliated with Smart Serve Ontario or the AGCO.
+How many questions are on the real Smart Serve test?
Smart Serve says the Full Course final test has 33 multiple-choice questions, randomly generated, and takes about 30 minutes in one sitting.
+What score do I need to pass Smart Serve?
Smart Serve states an 80% pass mark. With 33 questions, that means 27 correct.
+Is a Smart Serve mock test enough to pass?
A mock test helps you check yourself, but you still have to complete the official Smart Serve course before the final test. The course is what the test is built from.
Sources
- Smart Serve Ontario: Smart Serve Full Course · checked October 26, 2026
- Smart Serve Ontario: Proctored Testing · checked October 26, 2026
- Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (e-Laws) · checked October 26, 2026
- O. Reg. 746/21: Licensing (e-Laws) · checked October 26, 2026
- AGCO: Registrar’s Interim Standards and Requirements for Liquor · checked October 26, 2026
- AGCO: Information sheet, recognizing intoxication · checked October 26, 2026
- AGCO: Tips for identifying minors · checked October 26, 2026
Updated October 26, 2026. Not affiliated with Smart Serve Ontario or the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Keep going
- The Smart Serve test: what to expectWhat the Smart Serve test is like: 33 questions, 80% to pass, about 30 minutes, online with a webcam, two attempts. Plus how to prepare and pass first time.
- How to get your Smart Serve certificateHow to get your Smart Serve certificate in Ontario: $44.95 online course, 80% on the test, valid 5 years. Plus renewal, lost certificates and free options.
- Checking ID and minors: practice quizPractise the Smart Serve ID questions: when to ask for ID, acceptable ID in Ontario, spotting fake ID, minors in licensed places and 18-year-old staff.
- Intoxication and refusing service: practice quizPractise Smart Serve intoxication questions: signs of intoxication, standard drinks, BAC factors and how to stop serving a guest, with explanations.
- The law and your responsibilities: practice quizPractise Smart Serve law questions: legal ages, who must be certified, hours of sale, delivery, minimum prices, contests and penalties under Ontario law.