Business Licences

The Parking and By-law Services Division’s Municipal Law Enforcement Section reviews, issues and administers municipal licences. Most businesses in Hamilton require a licence to legally operate.

Resources and information:

Understand the Four (4) Types of Licences:

1. Business and Establishment: Bed and Breakfast, Aesthetic Services (hairdresser, piercing and tattoo etc.), Restaurants and Food Stands, Public Garages etc.
2. Lottery: Bingo, Raffle, Break Open Ticket, and Bazaar licences for charitable and religious organizations.
3. Mobile: Individuals as well as the business itself must be licensed including Taxi Cab Driver, Hot Dog Cart, Adult Entertainers, etc.
4. Trade: Contractors and individuals that work in the areas of building repair, plumbing, heating, refrigeration and air conditioning (HVAC), drain laying and sprinkler and fire protection.

Apply for a licence:

• In person at 77 James Street North, 2nd Floor, Suite #250.  Renewals for all licence categories are processed at 77 James Street North, 2nd Floor, Suite #250.  Renewals for Business or Establishment licences only can also be processed at any of the following locations
• Online through your Hamilton Account (Note: This is for Restaurants only. There is a $1.81 convenience fee for each online transaction)
• Download an Application: fill out at home or work and bring into our offices

Register a complaint or concern:

• Process for registering a complaint