Substance Law, led by Toronto lawyer Harrison Jordan, provides comprehensive legal services to Ontario’s liquor, beer, wine, and spirits industry.
We assist bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other licensed establishments, convenience stores and grocery retailers, and alcohol producers such as breweries, distilleries, and wineries with every aspect of their business — from licensing and regulatory compliance to contracts, transactions, and mergers & acquisitions.
Our services cover:
- Liquor licensing and AGCO applications and renewals
- LCBO and CRA regulatory compliance
- Label and promotional review for alcohol marketing
- Supplier, distribution, and manufacturing contracts
- Business purchases, sales, and M&A support
With in-depth industry knowledge and practical legal insight, Substance Law helps Ontario liquor businesses stay compliant, protected, and positioned for growth.
Who We Serve
We represent clients across the Ontario liquor and beverage alcohol ecosystem, including:
- On-site consumption establishments – bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and lounges
- Retailers – convenience stores and grocery stores authorized to sell alcohol
- Producers – breweries, distilleries, wineries, cideries, and importers
Our firm understands the unique operational and regulatory challenges that each category faces and tailors our advice accordingly.
Liquor Licensing and Permits
We assist clients with obtaining, transferring, and renewing:
- Liquor Sales Licences for bars, restaurants, and event venues
- Manufacturer’s Licences for breweries, wineries, and distilleries
- Grocery Store and Convenience Store Alcohol Licences for convenience and grocery stores
- Special Occasion Permits for weddings, festivals, and private events
- Endorsements including mini-bar, golf course, and caterer endorsements
From zoning and municipal approvals to AGCO notices and Smart Serve compliance, we ensure your licensing process is smooth and compliant.
Regulatory Compliance and Government Relations
Substance Law assists businesses in meeting ongoing compliance obligations under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA) and related AGCO, LCBO, and CRA requirements.
Our regulatory services include:
- AGCO inspections, hearings, and objections
- LCBO product listing, supplier registration, and compliance reviews
- CRA excise licensing under the Excise Act including brewer’s licences, spirits licences, wine licences and excise warehouse licences
- Advertising, labelling, and promotional material review
- Policy and operational compliance audits
We also provide proactive compliance advice to prevent costly enforcement issues before they arise.
Contracts, Business Transactions, and M&A
Our team provides practical business law support to companies across the liquor sector. We draft, review, and negotiate:
- Supplier, distributor, and co-manufacturing agreements
- Retail, franchise, and lease contracts
- Joint venture and investment documents
- Purchase and sale agreements for breweries, distilleries, and hospitality businesses
We combine deep regulatory experience with commercial insight to ensure your transactions align with both your business goals and Ontario’s liquor laws.
Work with an Experienced Ontario Liquor Lawyer
Whether you’re opening a new bar, launching a beverage brand, managing LCBO compliance, or expanding your manufacturing operation, Substance Law provides the legal guidance you need to succeed in Ontario’s regulated liquor industry.
Contact Harrison Jordan, an experienced Ontario liquor lawyer, for help with licensing, compliance, contracts, and regulatory matters, at +1 (647) 371-0032.
