Eating Establishment (Restaurant), Lounge, Nightclub and Pub Licences
The Licensing By-law defines an “Eating Establishment” as a building or place where food and drink are prepared and offered for sale and served. This business licence category includes restaurants, as well as cafeteria-style, buffet, self-service, or take out facilities.
An Eating Establishment does not include a Banquet Hall, Pub, Lounge or a Night Club. Visit the Banquet Hall page for more information about this licence, or view below for more information on the Pub, Lounge and Night Club licence types.
What's new
As of March 21, 2023, as per this amendment to the Business Licensing By-law:
- The business licence categories of "Lounge", "Nightclub" and "Pub" were created, which have different operating requirements..
- Some Eating Establishment licensees may need to be reclassified as Lounges, Nightclubs or Pubs, and can do so at no charge.
- New and existing Eating Establishments will be required to confirm if they have a convenience store, offer takeout or have a drive-through.
What type of business licence do I need?
Here is an overview of these four licence types; see the Business Licensing By-law for more information or contact us.
| No | Type of business licence | Overview |
| 1 | Eating Establishment (restaurant) |
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| 2 | Lounge |
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| 3 | Nightclub |
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| 4 | Pub |
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Options to apply
1. On the Licensing Portal, where you can now apply for and renew stationary business licences and permits. In the future, you will be able use the portal to apply for various individual and mobile licences also.
Get or renew a business license or Permit
2. In person or by mail to:
By-Law and Compliance, Licensing & Permit Services
Vaughan City Hall, Level 100
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
3. Via the drop-boxes located at the entrances of Vaughan City Hall.
4. By e-mail to:
bylaw.licensing@vaughan.ca, along with scanned copies of required documentation.
Please ensure the application or e-mail indicates a contact phone number
for staff to collect payment.
If submitting your application by mail or via the drop-box, please enclose payment in the form of a cheque made payable to the City of Vaughan. If submitting your application via e-mail, please ensure the application or accompanying message indicate a contact name and phone number for our staff to collect payment.
Application
If you are applying in-person, by mail, drop-box or email, complete the following form for submission:
Eating Establishment Application (PDF)
Otherwise, you can apply online on the Licensing Portal.
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Notes About Zoning:
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Fees
|
Fee |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Initial fee |
$ 474 |
$ 506 |
|
Renewal fee |
$ 208 |
$ 211 |