June’s By-law of the Month
Changes to restaurant, lounge, nightclub and pub licences
By-laws are put in place to ensure a safe and orderly community for all who live, work and play in Vaughan. Each month, the City of Vaughan explores a different by-law and what it means for you. This month, let’s take a look at an amendment (PDF) to the Business Licensing By-law (PDF) that impacts licences for all businesses currently holding an Eating Establishment (restaurant) licence.
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” effective Saturday, July 1, 2023. As a result, some Eating Establishment licensees may need to be reclassified as Lounges, Nightclubs or Pubs. Until June 30, 2023, businesses can get their reclassified licence at no charge. After this date, 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.
As well, new and existing Eating Establishments are required to confirm if they have a convenience store, offer takeout or have a drive-thru by Saturday, July 1, 2023.
Not sure what type of licence you need? Here’s a breakdown:
|
Licence |
Overview |
|
Eating Establishment |
Any place where food or drink are offered for sale, and includes places with a convenience store, takeout or drive-thru.
Eating establishments have at least 70 per cent of the floor space for serving food/dining, and a full kitchen.
All ordering, serving and consumption must occur at the table). |
|
Lounge |
A place where alcohol is sold and served in a lounge-like atmosphere, which has live or pre-recorded music provided for listening or dancing.
Lounges must have at least one security guard for every 100 persons in attendance, and all entrances must have a metal detector used by security guards to screen each person who enters.
Lounges must have high-definition cameras in operation at least one hour before opening and one hour after closing.
Cameras must record all points on entry or exit as well as areas within 10 metres around the building.
A lounge that operates as a restaurant for part of the time may obtain an endorsement (at no extra cost) to do so. |
|
Nightclub |
Meets the definition of a "Night Club" under the City's Comprehensive Zoning By-law 001-2021, specifically that the principal use is the provision of live or pre-recorded music for listening or dancing and where the sale of food and beverages is secondary and incidental to the principal use.
A place where alcohol is sold and served in a nightclub-like atmosphere, which has live or pre-recorded music provided for listening or dancing.
Nightclubs must have at least one security guard for every 100 persons in attendance, and all entrances must have a metal detector used by security guards to screen each person who enters.
Nightclubs must have high-definition cameras in operation at least one hour before opening and one hour after closing.
Cameras must record all points on entry or exit as well as areas within 10 metres around the building.
A night club that operates as a restaurant for part of the time may obtain an endorsement (at no extra cost) to do so. |
|
Pub |
A place where alcohol is served, and which may include the sale of food.
A pub may have live or pre-recorded music provided for listening entertainment or dancing played at a volume at which normal conversation is possible. |
Does your business need to get reclassified in time for the Saturday, July 1, 2023 deadline? Here’s how you can apply:
Eating Establishment licences
If you are applying for a new Eating Establishment licence or are renewing one (and do not need to reclassify your licence), you may apply on line by visiting the Licensing Portal.
Eating Establishment, Lounge, Nightclub and Pub licences
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.
- In-person or by mail to:
By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services
Vaughan City Hall, Level 100
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
- Via the drop-boxes located at the entrances of Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr. W).
- By email to bylaw.licensing@vaughan.ca.
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. Do not mail or drop off cash. If submitting your application via email, please ensure the application or accompanying message indicates a contact name and phone number for our staff to collect payment, and includes scanned copies of required documentation.
Please note: there is no fee for getting reclassified to comply with the amendment (PDF) to the Business Licensing By-law, as long as a complete application is received by June 30, 2023. A violation of the Business Licensing By-law (PDF) can result in fines of no less than $500 and up to $100,000.
Need support with your reclassification or application/renewal? We are here to help!
Contact us by phone at 905-832-2281, email bylaw@vaughan.ca or visit our website.
