Serving It Right TestPractice test

Special events

Special Event Server (SES)

Special Event Server is the shorter version of Serving It Right, made for events that run on a Special Event Permit: weddings, festivals, fundraisers and community events. Here’s who needs it and how it works.

Who needs Special Event Server

From the LCRB’s Special Event Permit Terms and Conditions and the Liquor Control and Licensing Regulation, s. 185.
Role at a Special Event Permit eventUnder 500 people500 or more
Servers and bartenders, paid or unpaidSpecial Event ServerSpecial Event Server
Permit holder and managersSpecial Event ServerServing It Right

A valid Serving It Right certificate covers every special event role, so if you already have SIR you don’t need SES as well. Training has to be done before the event starts, and the permit holder keeps a list of everyone’s certificate numbers and expiry dates for inspectors.

The SES course and exam

From the Special Event Server exam page and FAQs on responsibleservicebc.gov.bc.ca. One older page on the site still shows $20; the exam page itself shows $25.
Special Event Server
CourseFree, online, about 1.5 hours
Exam fee$25, with 3 attempts included
After 3 failed attemptsAnother $25 for 3 more
Exam25 multiple-choice questions, randomly drawn
Pass mark80% (20 of 25)
Time limitNone
Certificate lasts5 years from the day you complete the exam
LanguageEnglish only

Rules at a special event

  • Minors can’t work as servers, bartenders or managers, and can’t sell or handle liquor or drink tickets. They’re not allowed in beverage gardens.
  • Servings: up to 24 oz of beer, cider or coolers, 10 oz of wine or 3 oz of spirits per person at one time.
  • No trays of unordered drinks, no self-serve, and no pouring drinks into people’s mouths.
  • Hours: only the hours on the permit, never earlier than 9 a.m. or later than 4 a.m.
  • The permit holder must be there for all of liquor service (or a trained, written substitute) and must not drink at the event.
  • Intoxicated guests must be refused, removed and helped to leave safely, and it goes in the incident log.

The permit itself comes from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s special events site. SES and SIR are training; the permit is separate.

Questions people ask

+Do volunteers need Special Event Server?

Yes. All servers at a Special Event Permit event, paid or unpaid, need SES (or Serving It Right), whatever the size of the event.

+Is Special Event Server the same as Serving It Right?

No. SES is a shorter course for special events only. Serving It Right covers all licensed establishments and special events too.

+How long is a Special Event Server certificate good for?

5 years from the date you complete the exam.

+Can a 17-year-old help at the bar at a wedding?

Not with liquor. Minors can’t serve, sell or handle liquor or drink tickets at a special event.

Sources

Updated October 26, 2026. Not affiliated with the Government of British Columbia, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch or the Serving It Right program.

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