Eating Establishment (Restaurant), Lounge, Nightclub and Pub Licences
The Licensing By-law requires a business licence to operate an eating establishment, lounge, night club or pub in the City of Vaughan. See descriptions of each business licence type below.
Also, the “Eating Establishment” business licence category includes restaurants, as well as cafeteria-style, buffet, self-service, or take out facilities, however does not include a Banquet Hall, which has its own licence type.
What's new
Licence types - lounges, night clubs and pubs
The by-law defines an “Eating Establishment” as a building or place where food and drink are prepared and offered for sale and served. Earlier this year, an amendment to the by-law created some new business licence categories – namely “Lounge,” “Nightclub” and “Pub” – which have different operating requirements than Eating Establishments, which has been in effect as of July 1, 2023.
Does your business need to reclassify as a lounge, night club or pub?
As a result of the by-law changes, some Eating Establishment licensees may need to be reclassified as Lounges, Nightclubs or Pubs. All licences classified as Eating Establishments under the previous provisions must operate under their new licence requirements. Those who do not comply may be fined and will be required to obtain a new licence at their expense.
For any Eating Establishment licence requiring re-classification, you must apply in-person or by mail, drop-box or email, by completing the Eating Establishment Application (PDF) form for submission.
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) |
|
| 2 | Lounge |
|
| 3 | Nightclub |
|
| 4 | Pub |
|
Options to apply
For the Eating Establishment licence
You can apply on the Licensing Portal, where you can now apply for or renew the Eating Establishment licence, as well as various other business licences.
For the Eating Establishment, Night Club, Lounge or Pub licences
You can apply:
1. For a 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
2. Via the drop-boxes located at the entrances of Vaughan City Hall.
3. 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 for the Eating Establishment.
Notes About Zoning:
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Fees
| Fee | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Initial fee | $ 542 | $ 559 |
| Renewal fee | $ 227 | $ 234 |