Business Licences

• Adult services establishment 
  • 2026 fee: $1,747
• Adult entertainers 
  • 2026 fee: $178
• Adult goods establishment 
  • 2026 fee: $524 

This rule applies to any place with five or more amusement devices, like pinball machines or video games, available for use.

• 2026 fee: $178

This rule applies to any place with five or more pay-to-play billiards, pool, or bagatelle tables available for public use.

2026 fee: $135 for the first table

This applies to any business that hosts performances, concerts, movies, or other entertainment events, including movie and drive-in theatres.  

• 2026 fee: $354

This applies to every premise where four or more people (excluding staff) are lodged in return for a fee. 

• 2026 fee: $177

This applies to every place of business where hair, aesthetic and other personal services are provided.  

• 2026 fee: $135

This applies to any food premises, other than a food cart or truck, where meals are prepared for on-premises consumption or sold directly to customers for off-premises consumption.  

• 2026 fee:
  • $267 (0-99 seats) 
  • $360 (100+ seats) 

This rule applies to any food service establishment, or part of one, where the space is used by another business to prepare, sell, or serve ready-to-eat meals, either on site or to take away.

• 2026 fee: $360

This applies to any place of business that sells meat and/or fish.  

• 2026 fee: $178

This applies to anyone who owns or runs a refreshment vehicle or food stand as part of their business, including temporary vendors selling ready-to-eat food.

Learn more about Food Truck Permits.

• 2026 fee: $92-$401 (depending on the refreshment vehicle classification) 

This applies to every place of business where gasoline or other fuels are sold.  

• 2026 fee: $135

This applies to every person involved in repairing motor vehicles or offering related services.  

• 2026 fee: $135

This applies to every person who conducts business as a pawnbroker. 

• 2026 fee: $177

This applies to any person or entity licensed as a lender or loan broker under the Payday Loans Act, 2008. 

• 2026 fee: $177 

This applies to every person who sells live animals as household pets.  

• 2026 fee: $177

This applies to every place of business providing plumbing services.

• 2026 fee: $344

This applies to any place, or part of a place, where scrap metal is bought, sold, or exchanged as part of a business.

• 2026 fee: $360

This applies to anyone who proposes to perform on a sidewalk. 

• 2026 fee: $46

This applies to every person who keeps tobacco for sale or trade. 

• 2026 fee:
  • $349 (tobacco only)
  • $524 (combined tobacco & vapour product retail)

This applies to every person who sells or offers goods or services for sale by public auction.

• 2026 fee: $178

This applies to every person who goes from place to place on foot or in a vehicle to sell or promote the sale of goods and/or services.

• 2026 fee: $135

Some examples of the types of products or services that may be offered are:

• Internet, TV and phone service
• Home maintenance and repair services
• Vehicle maintenance and repair services

All Hawkers and Peddlers must carry with them a physical photo identification card displaying the licence number. 

The requirement to obtain a Hawker and Peddler license does not apply to persons who raise funds in door-to-door sales campaigns for registered charitable organizations.

This applies to every person who proposes to sell or promote the sale of goods for part of the year in a specific location.  

• 2026 fee: $46-$378 (depending on the classification and duration of sales) 

This applies to every person engaged in selling any item on a public street, sidewalk, or other municipal property.  

• 2026 fee: Springer Market Square - $54

For other locations and classes, contact us at: 

• Email: licensing applications
• Phone: 613-546-4291 ext. 3150 
• In-person at 1211 John Counter Blvd. 

This applies to any place, or part of a place, where vapour products are sold or offered for sale as part of a business, including specialty vape stores.

• 2026 fee: $349

Patios or other seating arrangements located within the public right-of-way (including sidewalks or on-street parking spaces) require a patio permit. Patio permits are administered by the City’s Transportation Services. 

Planning Services may require approval for patios located on private property. To learn more, please email the Planning Department. Learn more about how to apply for Street Patio Permit.

Short-term rentals must be licensed in the city of Kingston. Applications are administered by the licensing department. Learn more about the licensing process and obtain a licence online.

• Permanent signs, including signs attached to a building, may require a building permit. Learn more and apply for a permit through DASH.
• Temporary or free-standing signs may require a permit from the licensing department. For more information, email licensingapplications@cityofkingston.ca.

A Transportation Network Company (TNC) is a business (like Uber or Lyft) that uses an app or website to connect people looking for a ride with drivers using their personal cars for a fee.

This definition applies to any trip starting in Kingston, regardless of where the passenger is going.

Apply now for a Transportation Network Company License.

What is NOT a TNC?

The following are not considered TNCs:

• Taxis and Limousines: Standard cab services and luxury car hires.
• Large Vehicles: Any vehicle that seats 11 or more people.
• Public Transit: Kingston Transit buses or city-run shuttle services.
• School & Group Buses: School buses or those run by charities/private schools.
• Medical & Specialized Vehicles: Ambulances, hearses, or accessible transit for people with disabilities.
• Carpools: Casual ride-sharing where the driver isn't running a business for profit.