Businesses Operating without a Licence - by Councillor Frances Nunziata, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle

The City of Toronto Act, 2006 empowers a court to close a business for not having a licence if the owner is issued a Part III summons and is "convicted of knowingly carrying on or engaging in a business…without a licence required by a bylaw". In these cases, the court may order that the premises or part of the premises be closed to any use for a period not exceeding two years. If a closure order is made by the court, then the police shall bar entry to all entrances of the premises. It is important to note that a closure order is only available where a Part III charge has been laid and the evidence establishes that the owner or occupant knew or ought to have known that a licence was required to operate the business. This power is typically reserved by courts for cases where a business has multiple convictions or poses a risk to the public. A request for such an order is at the prosecutor's discretion. This Motion is urgent because 2 major crimes (murders) were committed at a business operating in York South-Weston without a licence within the last year.

a review of the grounds for the refusal of a business licence application, Chapter 545; b. a review of the grounds for the referral of a business licence for cancellation to the Toronto Licensing Tribunal; and c. requests that can be made to the Province of Ontario to improve the process for the forced closure of illegally operating businesses. 2. City Council request the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to review the screening criteria for business licences to determine whether any changes are required to address unsafe or dangerous activity occurring at the business.