Food and Alcohol

Food and Alcohol

Choose your subsection

Serving Food at your event

Multiple rooms at the University Centre are available for serving food at your event.

When is a government permit required to serve and sell food?

The Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) oversees food and safety. To sell perishable food items or require temperature control, you need a permit from MAPAQ. 

Serving Selling
Non-perishable food items

Food that does not require temperature control includes coffee, tea, packaged juices, soft drinks, granola bars, candies, and chocolate bars, and Krispy Kreme donuts

 

 Food is provided for free.

Example: 

  • Snacks at meetings
  • Potlucks
  • Giving away samples

No temperature control is required; a permit is not necessary.

 Food is sold or exchanged for donations. 

Example: 

  • Bake Sales, Samosa Sales, etc.
  • Fundraisers
  • Events with any food sales

No temperature control is required; a permit is not necessary.
Perishable food items 

Requires temperature control, specific handling, and specific signage for distribution. 

 Food is provided for free.

Example: 

  • Serving food during your event (self-catered, professionally catered, or restaurant-delivered food)

Requires a MAPAQ permit (“sans but lucratif”)

 Food is sold or exchanged for donations. 

Example: 

  • Bake Sales, Samosa Sales, etc.
  • Fundraisers
  • Events with any food sales (self-catered, professionally catered, or restaurant-delivered food)

Requires a MAPAQ permit (“sans but lucratif”)

Hygiene and handling practices must be strictly adhered to at all times.

 

How to obtain a  MAPAQ Permit Application Form  (“sans but lucratif”)?
  1. Submit the completed MAPAQ Permit Application Form and any supporting documents to MAPAQ. Submit your application at least (30) days before your event. A group must pay the permit fee ($38) only once yearly. Subsequent event requests will be free of charge. 
  2. Once approved, the government will review your application and issue the necessary permit for your event.
Additional Resources

Food Handler Guide (MAPAQ)
Food Equipment Rental Request Form
       • Food-grade bins
       • Food warmers
       • Coolers

How to declare Sale & Service Food, if you belong to a SSMU-Affiliated Group

Declaring Sale & Service of Food
  • Submit an Events & Activities Declaration Form or Book a Space in the University Centre
  • The coordinator will send you the Sale & Service of Food Declaration Form (coming soon)
  • Receive the coordinator’s response
  • Address follow-up questions and apply for MAPAQ application (if needed)
  • Send completed documentation (permit) to the Events Coordinator externalevents@ssmu.ca 
  • Obtain final approval
  • Archive documentation for audit purposes
  • Display the permit at the event and ensure it is always visible. 

If you have any questions or inquiries about selling and/or serving food, please contact the Events Coordinator at externalevents@ssmu.ca.

How to declare Sale & Service Food If you are an external client or belong to the McGill Community

Food serving needs (e.g. personal lunch, catered, restaurant/take-out, self-catered) are submitted when you fill out the University Centre Request Form.

Contact the Events Specialist at internalevents@ssmu.ca, if you have any questions.

Serving Alcohol at your event

Alcohol must be served exclusively by Gerts Bar Service staff in the UC and at Gerts Bar. You and your group are not permitted to serve alcohol yourselves. Special permits for Rooms 202 & 203 may be requested.

Please note that all guests must be 18+ to attend events where alcohol is served.

How to declare serving Alcohol during your event if you belong to a SSMU-Affiliated Group

Declaring Serving Alcohol during your event

Student Groups must:

  • Submit a request for alcohol by emailing the Internal Events Coordinator at least (14) business days before the event to accompany your reservation.
  • The Events Specialist, internalevents@ssmu.ca, will contact you with a quote, various service options, and menus.

How to declare serving Alcohol during your event if you are an external client or belong to the McGill Community

Alcohol serving requests (e.g. 5-7, cheese & wine, bar services requests) are submitted when you fill out the University Centre Request Form.

Contact the Events Specialist at internalevents@ssmu.ca, if you have any questions.