City of Mississauga staff are proposing amendments to the City’s Business Licensing By-law to address food safety. Changes would include the creation of a new Retail Food Premise business licensing category.
“The new Retail Food Premise business licensing category would allow the City to apply a consistent approach when it comes to licensing and inspection of food businesses,” said Geoff Wright, commissioner, transportation and works. “Under the new category, all retail food businesses in Mississauga would be required to obtain a licence and receive regular inspection by Peel Public Health.”
The recommendations will go to Council for approval on November 8. If approved by Council, the amendments are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2018.
The new category would apply to all retail food premises including takeout restaurants, lunch counters and all food businesses whose primary function is to offer food for consumption off site. This includes, but is not limited to the following business types:
• butcher shops
• catering facilities
• convenience/variety stores
• multi-unit food stores (supermarkets)
• bakeries
• gas station kiosks
• bulk food stores
• seafood retailers
Businesses whose primary function is to offer food for consumption onsite, would continue to be licensed as a restaurant or banquet hall. In addition, those that sell pre-packaged items such as chocolate bars, potato chips and canned beverages would be exempt.
The proposed annual license fees are $188 initially and $183 for renewal. These fees will help offset costs related to administering and enforcing the by-law.
