Amusement Permit: arcade, movie, bowling
The following types of amusement establishments require a licence to operate in the City of Vaughan:
- Class A - arcade: This licence is required for any business where there are three or more amusement machines (such as arcade, video games, pinball machines or other similar machines) available for public use.
- Class B - theatre: This licence is required for any business where movies are shown to the public, not including video stores.
- Class C - bowling alley: This licence is required to operate a business where there are any bowling lanes for public use.
Options to apply
1. On the Licensing Portal:
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:
Place of Amusement Application (PDF)
Otherwise, you can apply online on the Licensing Portal.
Notes About Zoning:
- To apply for a new licence, a Zoning Clearance, issued within the last 365 days, is required to be submitted with the application form above.
- You can apply for a Zoning Clearance online here.
Fees
Class A - arcade
Fee | 2025 | 2026 |
Initial fee | $ 341 +$13 per machine | $ 352 + $14 per machine |
Renewal fee | $ 288 + $13 per machine | $ 297 + $14 per machine |
Class B - theatre
Fee | 2025 | 2026 |
Initial fee | $ 604 | $ 623 |
Renewal fee | $ 510 | $ 526 |
Class C - bowling alley
Fee | 2025 | 2026 |
Initial fee | $ 595 | $ 613 |
Renewal fee | $ 501 | $ 517 |