Required Licenses and Permits for Operating a Commercial Kitchen

Legal & Compliance Consulting

Ready to open a restaurant in Canada? You’ll need the right licences and permits to get started! Here’s the scoop: licences can come from federal, provincial, or municipal levels, and each one plays an important role. We’ll break down what you need, why it matters, and how to get them. 

This is the ultimate restaurant permit guide to making your restaurant dreams a reality! 

Federal Licence Requirements

In Canada, licences instituted at the federal level are mandatory nationwide. 

The main licence administered at the federal level is the Safe Food for Canadians licence, which the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issues. This licence is required if your commercial kitchen engages in such activities as exporting food products, importing food items from other provinces and countries, or preparing food products you sell across provinces or territories. 

If any of these activities apply to your kitchen, you must acquire this licence. You can do so by calling your local CFIA agency or visiting them online for instructions on the application process. 

Provincial and Municipal Licences and Permits

Provincial and municipal licensing can vary, so it’s important to understand the requirements and processes surrounding how provinces, territories, and cities issue licences and permits.  

Business Licences

Regardless of your location, you’ll need to obtain a business licence to open your restaurant. This is a requirement to open any type of business in Canada. For most provinces and territories, you can get your business office at your local municipal office. 

Steps to Obtain a Business Licence

• Complete a business licence application form.
• Prove you have registered your business, either provincially or federally.
• Show your restaurant complies with local zoning bylaws and land-use regulations.
• Pay applicable licensing fees.
• Get approval from municipal authorities following inspections (i.e., building, fire, health).

Health Operating Permit

After successfully passing a health inspection by your regional health authorities, you’ll receive a Health Operating Permit. This document demonstrates that your restaurant complies with provincial food safety regulations. 

Steps to Obtain a Health Operating Permit

• Submit detailed facility layout plans of your restaurant for approval.
• Comply with provincial or territorial food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Undergo a successful inspection by regional health authorities before opening your restaurant.
• Ensure you use commercial-grade equipment, refrigeration units, cooking appliances, and sanitation stations, such as those provided by s.t.o.p Restaurant Supply.

Food Handler Certification

In some provinces, you need to have at least one certified food handler present during operating hours. This regulation includes Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. 

Steps to Obtain a Food Handler Certification

• Complete accredited food safety training courses (which usually last one day).
• Pass a written exam covering food safety protocols, hygiene best practices, contamination mitigation/prevention, temperature control procedures, and sanitation guidelines.

Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy

You may decide to renovate your restaurant down the road. For that, you’ll need a building permit and certificate of occupancy, which legally allows you to make structural changes to your premises. To obtain approvals, you’ll need to submit detailed floor plans and pass inspections by local building departments. 

Steps to Obtain a Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy

• Submit a detailed building construction or renovation plan to municipal building departments for review.
• Comply with local building codes for structural integrity, fire safety protocols, ventilation units and systems, electrical wiring guidelines, plumbing codes and standards, accessibility requirements, and occupancy limits. 
• Undergo successful completion of inspections by municipal building authorities.

Grease Interceptor Permit

Many municipalities require restaurants to install grease interceptors to properly dispose of and manage fats, oils, and grease—these also require a permit. 

Steps to Obtain a Grease Interceptor Permit

• Submit plumbing and drainage plans indicating the specifications and installation details of grease interceptor requirements. 
• Comply with local wastewater management standards and municipal bylaws.
• Undergo inspection and approval by your local wastewater or drainage authorities.

Liquor Licence

Planning to add a bar or serve alcohol on your premises? You’ll undoubtedly need a liquor licence. You can obtain this licence through your provincial or territorial authority. 

Steps to Obtain a Liquor Licence

• Complete the application form for your liquor licence.
• Provide proof of your business registration and ownership structure.
• Present floor plans clearly labelling seating areas, bar areas, and storage locations.
• Obtain staff training certification for responsible alcohol service (e.g., "Serving It Right" in BC, "Smart Serve" in Ontario).
• Comply with zoning and municipal approval regulations and requirements.
• Undergo an inspection conducted by the provincial liquor authority.

Signage Permit

If you put up exterior signage for parking, accessibility, or wayfinding, you’ll likely need permits, which can generally be obtained through your local municipal office.

Steps to Obtain Signage Permits

• Submit signage design plans, including dimensions, placement, materials, and integrity details. 
• Comply with your municipal zoning bylaws regarding sign size, placement, lighting, and aesthetics.

Music and Entertainment Licence

Having live or recorded music at your establishment requires a licence, which usually comes from SOCAN (although other agencies may also issue this licence).

Steps for Obtaining a Music and Entertainment Licence

• Complete your licensing application through SOCAN/ConnectMusic Canada (or equivalent agency).
• Pay applicable licensing fees based on establishment size/capacity or type/frequency of music usage (live performances vs. recorded background music).

You can obtain your licence via SOCAN.com or their partner Entandem: https://entandemlicensing.com.