Business Licensing

Business Licensing

Council approved the introduction of a Comprehensive Business Licensing program, which will replace the Business Registry system currently in place. All those businesses previously registered under the Business Registry system will be required to apply for a Business Licence under the Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law and pay the applicable fee. 

The Business Licensing program will be effective January 1, 2018. All businesses are required to apply as of January 2, 2018 except those business categories listed below who have a different application date:

The following information sheets have been created to help current and prospective business owners to understand the licensing requirements:

• What Is A Business Licensing By-law?
• Business Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
• Chart of Required Business Licences (example only)
• 2018 Holiday Closures for Businesses

The following are business-related resources and training sessions available for local businesses:

• Province of Ontario Red Tape Challenge - consultation open until March 31, 2018
• Windsor-Essex Small Business Centre
• Food Handler Certification courses - Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
  • The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has recently made several changes to the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS) and amendments to regulations under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. As of July 1, 2018:
    • all food premises must post a hardcopy of their Star Rating Sign as assigned by their public health inspector at their most recent inspection;
    • every operator of a food service premise must ensure that there is at least one food handler or supervisor on the premise who has completed food handler training during every hour in which the premise is operating. Please note that all businesses licensed as a Catering Establishment, Eating Establishment, Food Vehicle or Ice Cream Vehicle by the Municipality of Leamington must ensure that each employee handling food obtains a Food Handler Certification Card.

Every business is required to obtain a Municipal Business Licence. If your business does not meet any of the categories below, you will need to apply for a General Business Licence. If your business meets more than one licence category, you are required to submit an application for all applicable licence types. If you operate your business out of a home, you are also required to submit a Home Occupation Clearance. 

• Home Occupation
• Adult Entertainment
• Bed and Breakfast
• Cash for Merchandise
• Caterer
• Driving School
• Eating Establishment
• Food Vehicle
• Ice Cream
• Pawnbroker
• Personal Care Establishment
• Salesperson
• Salvage Yard
• Transportation Company

For further information you may contact a Customer Service Representative at 519-326-5761 or by email at clerks@leamington.ca.