Administrative & Constitutional LawLawyer referralLicences, regulators and government relations

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario licence application or hearing

A liquor, cannabis retail or gaming licence application, or a hearing on a refusal, suspension or conditions.

Licensing appeals often have very short deadlines stated in the notice, so act right away; the lawyer confirms the timeline in writing. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral

What is included

  • Reviews the notice, proposal or investigation request
  • Prepares the application, appeal or written response
  • Represents you at the Licence Appeal Tribunal or another hearing
  • Advises on lobbying registration and compliance
  • Communicates with the regulator for you

What is not included

  • Filing fees, transcripts and other disbursements
  • Further appeals or other proceedings not covered by the lawyer's written retainer
  • Independent medical or other reports

Who this service is for

  • Businesses applying for or keeping a licence
  • Drivers facing a licence suspension or vehicle impoundment
  • Organizations that lobby government or bid on public contracts

Information to have ready

  1. 1The notice of proposal, suspension or investigation
  2. 2Your licence or registration details
  3. 3Correspondence with the regulator
  4. 4Any compliance records

How a referral works

  1. 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
  2. 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
  3. 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
  4. 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.

NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights

Frequently asked questions

What does the lawyer charge?

A typical Ontario fee for this service is $2,000–$7,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.

Can a licensed paralegal appear at the Licence Appeal Tribunal?

Yes. Licensed paralegals may represent parties at the Licence Appeal Tribunal. Ask NEO whether your matter is one it can handle directly or whether a lawyer is the better fit.

Do I need to register as a lobbyist?

It depends on who you contact, how often and for whom. Federal, Ontario and some municipal lobbying rules each have their own tests.

General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

Important limitations

  • No outcome can be guaranteed
  • Tribunals and courts can only decide the issues the law gives them
  • Deadlines to appeal or apply keep running during a referral
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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