diff --git a/irc/chanserv.go b/irc/chanserv.go
index d545f205..b6c1cc23 100644
--- a/irc/chanserv.go
+++ b/irc/chanserv.go
@@ -72,8 +72,8 @@ func (server *Server) chanservOpHandler(client *Client, channelName, clientToOp
 	}
 
 	channelInfo := server.channels.Get(channelKey)
-	if channelInfo == nil || !channelInfo.ClientIsAtLeast(client, modes.ChannelOperator) {
-		rb.ChanServNotice(client.t("You must be an oper on the channel to op on it"))
+	if channelInfo == nil {
+		rb.ChanServNotice(client.t("Channel does not exist"))
 		return
 	}