Multiple rooms at the University Centre allow you to serve 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 .
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, Krispy Kreme donuts
Food is provided for free.
Example:
Snacks at meetings
Potlucks
Giving away samples
Do not require temperature control; a permit is not necessary.
Food is sold or exchanged for donations.
Example:
Bake Sales, Samosas Sales, etc.
Fundraisers
Events with any food sales
Do not require temperature control; a permit is not necessary.
Perishable food items
Require 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 permit (“sans but lucratif”)
Food is sold or exchanged for donations.
Example:
Bake Sales, Samosas Sales, etc.
Fundraisers
Events with any food sales (self-catered, professionally catered, or restaurant-delivered food)
Requires a permit (“sans but lucratif”)
Hygiene and handling practices must still be followed.
Self-catered
Club members or volunteers prepare food.
Must still follow basic food safety rules.
Professionally catered
A licensed catering service or restaurant prepares food.
Includes deliveries.
Often required for formal events.
How to obtain a (“sans but lucratif”)?
Submit the completed 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;
Once approved, The government will review your application and issue the necessary permit for 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 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 鶹ӰԺ Community
Alcohol serving requests (e.g. 5-7, cheese & wine, bar services requests) are submitted when you fill out the .