Restaurant licence and permit review should match the business activity, exact address and proposed ownership. Before pursuing a restaurant listing, ask for current documents and independently confirm requirements with the issuing authorities.
Make a premises-specific register
List food-service approvals, alcohol permissions, fire and occupancy requirements, signage, patio use and any other relevant activity. Record the holder, premises, issue and expiry dates, conditions, renewal steps and inspection correspondence. A permit shown by the seller may be site-specific or may not transfer to a buyer.
Confirm the transaction and operation
Ask the seller to identify notices, restrictions, applications and unresolved inspections. Contact municipal and provincial authorities about the proposed change in ownership, concept, hours or renovations. In Canada, BizPaL can help identify permits by jurisdiction, but the responsible authority should confirm the requirements that apply.
Resolve gaps before closing
Have counsel make required approvals and timing clear in the transaction documents. Do not open or continue an activity on the assumption that the seller’s authorization automatically covers the new operator. Our restaurant buying guide covers permits along with lease and financial checks.
Requirements change by place and activity; verify them for the property.