A Guide to Serving Alcohol at Corporate Events in Halifax, Nova Scotia

If you’re in charge of planning your company’s next event in Halifax, we’re sure you’ve considered serving alcohol. Because why not, we’re all adults in the end, right?

Right. But keep in mind even though it’s fun to spice things up a little bit with a drink, alcohol can affect people’s consciousness and behaviour in many ways, thus approaching this aspect with care to ensure a successful, enjoyable, and legal celebration is key. 

Let us walk you through the key considerations, common pitfalls to avoid, and how The Clever Barkeep, a private bartender service provider in Halifax, can simplify your planning tasks.

Can I Serve Alcohol at My Corporate Event in Halifax, Nova Scotia?

Yes, you can serve alcohol at your corporate event in Halifax, NS, but you’ll need to secure a Special Occasion Liquor Licence first. This applies whether you’re setting up a cash bar or treating your guests to a free-flowing open bar. There are three types of licences—Class 1, 2, or 3—each suited to different event styles and alcohol serving methods. Don’t worry, we’ll break these down for you a bit later.

Remember, it’s crucial to get this sorted well in advance to dodge any legal hiccups. If the thought of wading through all those regulations is making you dizzy, why not let experts like us at The Clever Barkeep take care of it? We’re pros at handling everything that involves alcohol at corporate events.

Nova Scotia’s Alcohol Regulations for Events

As mentioned before, in Nova Scotia, if you’re planning to serve or sell alcohol at an event, you need to obtain a Special Occasion Liquor Licence (SOL), which comes in three classes depending on the type of event and how the alcohol is provided:

• Special Occasion Liquor Licence (SOL) Class 1 Licence

A Class 1 Licence is perfect for private gatherings where alcohol is on the house, and the guest list is tight. Think weddings, exclusive company parties, or milestone celebrations. Just remember, advertising for these events is strictly prohibited to maintain their private nature.

• Special Occasion Liquor Licence (SOL) Class 2 Licence

This one is similar to Class 1 but with a twist: you sell the alcohol. It’s ideal for events where guests pay for their drinks, maintaining that exclusive vibe without the freebies. Advertising for events holding a Class 2 licence is not allowed either.

• Special Occasion Liquor Licence (SOL) Class 3 Licence

Throwing the doors wide open? A Class 3 Licence is what you need for public events where tickets are sold, perfect for fundraisers and more significant community gatherings. Here, advertising is more than okay—it’s encouraged!

So, for example, if you’re planning a low-key end-of-year dinner for your team, and it’s just for staff and partners with drinks on the house, a Class 1 Licence will do the trick. Opting for a cash bar? Then you’ll need a Class 2 Licence.

Avoid These Mistakes When Serving Alcohol at Corporate Events in Halifax, NS

When planning to serve alcohol at corporate events in Halifax, you need to watch out for these common slip-ups:

1. Lack of proper licensing: Don’t let this be an afterthought. Nova Scotia takes its liquor laws seriously, so snag that SOL early to avoid fines or a full-on shutdown.
2. Inadequate staffing: A skimpy bar staff can lead to long lines and cranky guests. The Clever Barkeep ensures ample, well-trained bartenders to keep smiles on faces and drinks in hands.
3. Poorly trained staff: Hiring bartenders who are not adequately trained in responsible service can result in over-serving guests, failing to recognize signs of intoxication. The best prevention strategy is to employ bartenders who are trained and certified in responsible alcohol service. The Clever Barkeep guarantees that all staff are expertly trained in these practices to enhance the safety and professionalism of your event.
4. Failing to plan for guest safety: We’re all about the fun, but safely. It’s a serious oversight not to have plans in place for managing potential alcohol-related incidents or ensuring that guests can return home safely. You can mitigate this by arranging transportation options like taxis or shuttle services for guests who may be unable to drive safely. 
5. Neglecting to communicate drinking rules: Misunderstandings can be party downers. Clear communication on drink limits and service times keeps things transparent.
6. Ignoring the atmosphere: The vibe of your event matters. An atmosphere that encourages excessive consumption or makes guests feel uncomfortable can detract from the event’s success, and that looks bad on your company. Our team excels in creating an inviting atmosphere with just the right mix of fun and professionalism.

Read our blog on How Bartending Services Can Make Your Corporate Event Unforgettable.

How Private Bartenders Like The Clever Barkeep Can Help in Your Corporate Event

When it comes to pulling off a flawless corporate event, having The Clever Barkeep on your team can be a game-changer. Here’s a rundown of how our private bartending services can transform your party from good to unforgettable:

We Can Navigate Alcohol Regulations on Your Behalf

Let’s face it, wading through the sea of local liquor laws isn’t exactly how you want to spend your time. Don’t sweat it; The Clever Barkeep is here to lift that burden off your shoulders. We offer expert guidance on snagging all the necessary permits and sticking to Nova Scotia’s alcohol regulations. We’ll even help draft up your application and can be listed as the responsible party for ordering the alcohol—though we’ll need your signature to make it official.

We Provide Professional Bartending Services

Our bartenders do more than pour drinks; they ensure your event flows smoothly and safely. Trained to expertly manage and monitor alcohol consumption, our team keeps the vibe controlled yet enjoyable, and ensures everyone has a good time without going overboard.

We Will Manage The Bar Setup and Operations Efficiently

Setting up and managing a bar is no small feat, but we’ve got it down to a science. The Clever Barkeep offers comprehensive services that cover all the bases—from the initial setup to the final teardown. We handle the details so you can focus on hosting.

We Will Handle Supply Chain Management

Ever worry about running out of drinks or last-minute supply hiccups? With The Clever Barkeep, those concerns are a thing of the past. Thanks to our robust relationships with top-notch suppliers and distributors, we ensure a steady flow of premium beverages and ingredients, taking care of all logistics smoothly and efficiently.

We Implement Effective Risk Management Strategies

Here At The Clever Barkeep, we implement a variety of risk-reduction tactics. From providing non-alcoholic alternatives and setting up hydration stations to ensuring all bartenders are trained in responsible service practices, we do everything to minimise risks and maximise safety.

We Can Also Enhance Your Event Atmosphere

We believe that the bar should be a centrepiece at any event. The Clever Barkeep excels in crafting an engaging atmosphere that truly resonates with your guests. Expect stylish drink presentations, interactive cocktail experiences, and themed beverage stations that not only entertain but also impress, making your event a standout success.

At The Clever Barkeep, we’re passionate about bringing your event to life with the highest level of professionalism and flair. Ready to make your next corporate event the talk of Halifax? Reach out to us, and let’s start planning together. 

3 Creative Ideas for Integrating Alcohol into Your Corporate Event

1. Themed cocktail parties: There’s something special about a cocktail party that really brings people together, especially when it’s themed. It adds an element of excitement and gives everyone something to talk about right from the start.
2. Mocktail bars: Mocktail bars are a brilliant addition to any corporate event. They ensure everyone can enjoy a festive drink, regardless of their alcohol preference.
3. Luxury wine and spirit tasting: A luxury wine and spirit tasting event is perfect for treating clients or employees to an exclusive sensory journey through some of the world’s finest libations. This type of event is typically more intimate and tailored to provide a high-end experience that can leave a lasting impression on key stakeholders and clients.

Read our blog on 29 Unique Corporate Gathering Ideas in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Clever Barkeep Can Make Sure Your Bar Service at Your Next Corporate Event is a Success!

As you can see, planning and executing a successful corporate event in Halifax involves many moving parts. 

Here at The Clever Barkeep, we take the stress out of managing one important aspect of your event: its drink service.

Reach out to The Clever Barkeep today, and let’s start planning together!