Do I need a business licence or permit? What does it cost?
In the City of Windsor, Ontario, licence required: True; who must license: Broad range: adult entertainment, food/hospitality, lodging, heating/plumbing trades, hawkers, escorts, retail/resale/pawnbrokers, pet shops, salvage yards, and others; fee: Varies by category; initial: $191–$616 (e.g., Bill Distributor $191, Entertainment Lounge $590, Bed & Breakfast/Lodging House/Public Hall $616); renewal: $191–$575; late renewal adds 50% surcharge over base fee; Class 2 Donation Bin Business 50% reduction; renewal: Annual; expiry dates vary by category Jan 31–Nov 30 per Appendix 'A'; 50% penalty surcharge if renewed after deadline; dancer/escort licences: 12 months from date of issuance. Source: Business Licensing By-law #395-2004, verified 2026-06-10.
Business Licensing By-law #395-2004
adopted bylaw
licence required
True
s. 2.1
who must license
Broad range: adult entertainment, food/hospitality, lodging, heating/plumbing trades, hawkers, escorts, retail/resale/pawnbrokers, pet shops, salvage yards, and others
s. 2.1
fee
Varies by category; initial: $191–$616 (e.g., Bill Distributor $191, Entertainment Lounge $590, Bed & Breakfast/Lodging House/Public Hall $616); renewal: $191–$575; late renewal adds 50% surcharge over base fee; Class 2 Donation Bin Business 50% reduction
Schedule 1; s. 3.23(1); Schedule D1 s. 6.2
renewal
Annual; expiry dates vary by category Jan 31–Nov 30 per Appendix 'A'; 50% penalty surcharge if renewed after deadline; dancer/escort licences: 12 months from date of issuance
Appendix 'A'; s. 3.23(1); s. 3.23(2)
scout note
City of Windsor Business Licensing By-law, passed December 13, 2004 (effective January 1, 2005).