Issues with Venue

It is very common, especially in the city where I'm from. Not many venues will allow you to bring anything in from another source, sometimes not even a cake. Our venue insisted that if we were not having a cake made by them but it would have to be from a cake baker with a commercial license.

Very common.
look into legions in your area. they are usually more open to bringing in your own. they are a bit blander so you will need a bit more in décor. but they are also usually cheaper to rent.

If you really want to do your own catering, you'll basically have to do EVERYTHING else yourself. Renting a city-owned facility is the way to go if this is your route. As for venues, some are more flexible on things like dessert table/cakes, but that's it. I looked through hundreds of venues both city-owned and traditional halls/golf courses, etc.

It is extremely common.

Super common.

Our venue won't even let us have a late night food truck. They explained that if someone DOES get sick, they don't want that coming back on them.

Most places that provide catering will not allow outside food. Maybe go to the caterers you are interested in and ask them if they have any venues they have worked with that hold that many people.

You may want to look at Kelowna, because here in Penticton I can only think of those two places you already mentioned.

View quoted message My venue actually permits alcohol at its events as long as we have a Special Occasion Permit (aka SOP).

Yeah no, most places won't allow even outside Booze let alone outside foot. It's a health and safety issue. They don't know how the food from the other caterer is prepared and don't want strangers using their kitchen for fear of contamination.

Health and safety standards are strict for a reason, so I understand that not wanting to mess around with it.

Try searching for banquet halls and concert venues near Penticton for venues that have a larger capacity.

Maybe they allow for outside vendors if you add insurance or pay an additional fee.

Good luck!