Event Handbook - Food & Beverage — The Commons Turn Key Events & Meetings

Food & Beverage

Recommended Vendors

Food is a pillar of any gathering, and what your guests will remember. We partner with many incredible local vendors, both food and beverage focused, that provide outstanding products and service. We want to ensure that the vendors you choose for your event are well suited so we have collected some details to ensure that everything is taken care of.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us for further information.

Catering

+ Do you have preferred vendors?

We have curated a selection of local catering companies who provide a variety of price-points and menu options. We can help make recommendations based on your event needs but you will hire and coordinate your catering requirements directly with the catering company you select.

Our preferred caterers are:

+ Can we use a different catering company not on your list?

Absolutely! You may contract outside vendors with prior approval from the venue, however additional charges may be incurred such as per person fees and site visit fees. All food and beverage menus, service, set up and pick up times must be confirmed a minimum of two (2) weeks before the event.

+ Do you allow self-catering?

Unfortunately we only allow catering from a licensed business.

+ Is there a full kitchen area for my caterers?

In all of our spaces we have kitchens with prep areas available for your culinary arrangements. Please note we do not currently have a full kitchen available (i.e.: no stove and oven) in any of our spaces where outside catering is required. We are happy to chat with your caterer to ensure they have all the info needed. You can find venue and room specific information under the links below.

+ Is coffee and tea provided?

For an additional fee we can provide gourmet drip coffee and a selection of high-end teas sourced from a local roastery.

+ Do I need to provide my own glassware/cutlery/place settings?

This depends on the venues, your choice of caterer and number of guests. We’ll be better able to support you with your event details.

Bar

+ Do you offer bar services?

No, but our preferred caters do offer exceptional bar services! If you choose from our preferred caterers, they can offer bar service that would include the garnish, ice, glassware and certified bartenders.

We also have some unique liquor and cocktail providors, who can offer you a customized bar menu.

Ask us for more details!

+ Can I bring in my own alcohol?

We allow you to bring in your own alcohol in most of our venues. The Ramsay Design Centre allows you to bring in your own alcohol and does NOT charge corkage! This is a huge savings!

If you are bringing the alcohol, you must get pre-approval from our Event Architect and you will be responsible for purchasing the appropriate liquor license through the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Cannabis.

Our restaurant partner venues do not allow you to bring in your own alcohol as you must use in house bar service and food.

We are happy to chat with you about bar options so please get in touch with our Event Architect for specific details. It is not allowed to serve homemade alcohol in any of our venues.

+ What kind of liquor license do I need? How does that work?

All events serving alcohol require a liquor licence. If you are having a private function this permit is easy to acquire at your local liquor store when you buy your alcohol (we suggest buying it at the same time as sometimes stores do not provide it if you do not purchase your alcohol from them). The cost of the license is usually around $25.

You can also purchase a special event liquor license here.

The Ramsay Design Centre a liquor license is required for each space they book including Parlour, Hemingway and Patio. You are able to add other rooms to the license.

If you are more interested our other venues, please contact us for details.

+ Can I bring in my own bartenders?

We kindly request that you utilize one of our preferred caterers for bar services or choose a reputable company when making your booking. We ask that all bartenders must be pre-approved by The Commons. They must be Pro-Serve certified and carry their certification with them at all times. Please also note that the bartenders you hire cannot be guests or friends.

+ What are your policies regarding liquor?

Serving alcohol at your event includes accepting key responsibilities in accordance with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Cannabis (AGLC).

If you are hosting a public event, additional requirements must be met. A separate liquor agreement will be made and The Commons will host the bar. Additional fees may apply.

Alcoholic beverages are consumed in a responsible manner and patrons will not be overserved.
Guests consuming alcohol will be of legal drinking age.
Food must be made available to all guests consuming alcohol.
No doubles nor shots are allowed to be served.
Drinking games of any kind are prohibited.
A bartender must be behind the bar at all times during the Event. When the bar is closed all liquor must be put away. Under no circumstances are guests allowed to serve themselves alcohol.
Taxi chits, designated drivers, clearly posted phone numbers for taxis, or other responsible transportation home must be arranged in advance.
Bar service must stop by the time agreed upon in the Access Schedule or at 1:00 AM, whichever is earlier.