Item - 2021.GL20.6

The General Government and Licensing Committee:

1. Directed the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to report to the March 29, 2021 General Government and Licensing Committee meeting on the issue of how a business establishment such as Adamson Barbecue is permitted to operate without a business licence.

In light of the establishments contravention of the Province of Ontario’s lockdown regulation under the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA), that prohibits indoor and outdoor dining it has been highlighted that the establishment was also operating without a business license.

The City of Toronto supports business and is mandated to protect residents.  As such there are regulations that all businesses must adhere to, including issued by the Toronto Public health Food safety program and other measures to ensure that business are operating safely and following regulations.

It is important that the Executive Director to Municipal Licensing and Standards speaks on this issue to offer an explanation on how establishments can remain open without a business license.