As members of the IWFS Toronto you have certain responsibilities that come with membership governed by the following principles:

1. Members and their guests are responsible for their own safety with respect to the consumption of alcohol and the operation of transportation vehicles. Alcohol Policy.
2. You have read and understand the IWFS Toronto’s Alcohol Policy & Photo Policy and will comply with these policies: Alcohol Policy – Photo Policy. The IWFS Toronto has responsibilities to you as members, found in our Privacy Policy.
3. Members are responsible for their guest’s behaviour. The same covenant of behaviour that applies to members is valid for their guests.
4. Members are responsible for full payment of a reservation, whether or not they and their registered parties attend the event. All consideration will be given to the member for finding a replacement; or if cancellation is possible with the venue operator. A booking/reservation is by whatever means (mail, electronic, or phone), for an IWFS sponsored event. Confirmations of booking/reservation are not normally set out.
5. Members and their guests are expected to be appropriately attired in accordance with the venue’s dress code (business attire).
6. Members are responsible for the payment of the Initiation Fees, Annual Dues, and assessments within 30 days of notification, usually at the beginning of the year (late fall). All fees will be set annually by the President and approved by the Executive Committee.
7. Members will not bring under-age guests as defined by the Ontario liquor act.

IWFS Toronto Responsibilities Event Guidelines

— Reservations

8. An event reservation is confirmed upon receipt of full payment from the member or the member’s guests.
9. When the maximum number of participants is attained, a waiting list will be established. Those members whose payment arrives after capacity is reached will be notified. Their payment will be returned or held pending the reservation waiting list.
10. It is the responsibility of each member or guest to contact the restaurant directly for special pre-arranged menu adjustments for any dietary restrictions. The member should do so early on and clearly identify the event as an IWFS event and the date.

— Cancellation and Refunds

11. A member who fails to attend an event after making a reservation may be held accountable to pay the full booking fee unless cancellation was made prior to the stated cut-off date or a paying substitute is found, or the restaurant does not charge IWFS for the no-show reservation.
12. Any request for cancellation and refund made on or after the specified cut-off date must be approved; otherwise, the member may incur a charge or have their payment processed.

— Guests

13. All non-members attending an event are “guests”.
14. Unless otherwise stipulated, guests are welcome at events. A member should be judicious in the number of guests invited since there is always the possibility that there may be more members wishing to attend than there is space available.
15. The guest guideline for a member is to invite only one person or a couple. If a member wants to invite more than one couple, they must verify availability beforehand with the event organizer. Members should consider guests as possible prospective members for sponsorship. Attendance at no less than two events within the previous year is suggested for prospective members.
16. Guests should have a genuine interest in wine and food. A member should not use IWFS as a vehicle simply to entertain friends or business clients or to fulfil a social obligation.
17. Although most events are open to guests, the Steering Committee may impose certain restrictions to guests, including invitation limits for Members Only events or capacity considerations.
18. A member is responsible for the payment of the guest’s event fees. Guests should be accompanied by the host member.
19. A guest may be removed from future invitation lists if their conduct is not deemed suitable by any event sponsor or by the Steering Committee.

— Attire and Etiquette

20. The dress code is “business attire” (tie) and formal attire when specified.
21. Unless otherwise specified, smart casual attire may be worn at an in-home event, such as a tasting, or at an outdoor event, such as a BBQ.
22. Members and their guests should be attentive when a chef, a wine-maker, or an IWFS officer addresses the group. Since these individuals have worked to organise and undertake the event, each member’s attention and cooperation is both appropriate and appreciated.
23. Members are responsible for their guests’ conduct and adherence to the IWFS Toronto Alcohol Policy.
24. Members should make an effort to meet and welcome new members or guests.
25. As sponsored or invited guests, IWFS Members are to act in accordance with the House Rules of the Club or facility where the event is held. This includes but is not limited to dress code, use of communication devices, smoking policy, and any other matters specific to the facility.
26. Alcohol is to be limited to that provided by IWFS Toronto, unless a specific request is made of a member in advance by the Cellar Master or Branch President.
27. Members bringing alcohol for their private consumption will not be tolerated. If there is to be any private wine served at an IWFS Sponsored event it will be for all attendees and only with prior authorisation. This may include the LCBO requirement of a “Special Occasions Permit”.
28. Members who have a concern at an event should relay that concern to a Board member. All communication between the Club/facility and IWFS will be done through the IWFS event organiser, President or designated Board member.
29. The Board is responsible to convey any rules and regulations as may be determined specific to an event or facility to the membership in advance of the event.

Thank you, IWFS Toronto.

Questions or concerns?
Please contact the IWFS Toronto Branch and our team will be happy to assist.