Events & In-store Tastings

All tastings include a $25 charitable contribution to LCBO’s Industry Catalyst Fund, plus HST, per tasting. Please note that tax receipts are not provided for the $25 donation included in bookings for in-store product samplings. As a crown corporation LCBO does not receive charitable tax receipts for any donations made.

To explore larger tasting events such as walk-around tastings outside of retail spaces please click below.

How to Apply for System Access

Applications are submitted online through the In-Store Tasting Program System (ITPS). To get access to this portal please submit an online application for a user I.D. and access code at https://www.lcboaccess.com/trading_partner_access_request/AccessRequestForm.html.

For full instructions on how to use the online system please refer to the In-store Tasting Requirements below:

Hiring External Demonstration Companies

All persons conducting Tastings must have Smart Serve certification. Information about Smart Serve is available at: http://www.smartserve.org/.

All persons conducting Tastings must complete the Access Forward module for customer service. https://accessforward.ca/front/customerService/

If food is served at the tasting a valid Food Handling Safety certificate will be required.

Demonstrator Availability By Store Class

AA & AAA stores -- LCBO Employee Led only unless the product is locally produced and the tasting is led by an employee that works at the site of production OR is an enhanced tasting event. 

A & B stores -- Either and LCBO Employee, Third Party Demonstration Company, or Agent.

C stores -- No LCBO employee led tastings at this time.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION DEADLINE DATES 

Please note applications for Enhanced tastings must be submitted 9 weeks prior to the period or two weeks prior to the "Submission Deadline."

Applications are due 7 weeks before the start of the period in which the tasting will occur unless otherwise noted, after which allocation will occur and you will have one week to make changes where necessary. 

Submission Deadline

The submission deadline will fall at the end of the business day on Fridays unless otherwise stated. The first allocation occurs at 9:30 am the following Monday. Once you receive your allocated tastings you may decline and re-apply for tastings up until the morning of the final deadline.

Pick-Up Period

The period between the submission deadline and the final deadline is referred to as the pick-up period. You will have this time to pick up any additional tastings or decline tastings you have been allocated that are unsuitable. We will allocate each morning up until the final deadline. Once the final deadline has passed you will be responsible for any bookings including the costs associated with the event unless otherwise stipulated. 

Final Deadline

This is the last day applications will be allocated the remaining spots. Allocations are completed by 9:30 am each morning. You will have until the end of the business day (5 pm) to decline any unsuitable bookings, after that no changes can be made and the agent will be responsible for any costs associated with the event.   

Do not submit new applications after 9:30 am Friday morning of the final deadline day. These applications will not be allocated.

Applications are finalized 6 weeks before the period and the agent is responsible for any costs associated with the booking unless otherwise stated. 

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the In-Store Tasting Administrator at (416) 864-6758 or instoretastings@lcbo.com.