To get a coffee shop license in Canada, secure municipal licensing, provincial health approvals, and required federal permissions before you sign a lease or start build‑out. Sequence: confirm zoning for “restaurant/food premises,” obtain a business licence, submit plans for building/plumbing permits, pass fire inspection, schedule a pre‑opening health inspection. A certified food‑handler must be on duty each shift (e.g., Ontario Food Handler, BC FOODSAFE; in Québec, a MAPAQ‑certified person within 3 months). Register a CRA Business Number and GST/HST account if you exceed $30,000 in taxable revenue (or register early to claim ITCs). If you brew only coffee and sell baked goods from approved suppliers, you usually do not need a Safe Food for Canadians licence; if importing beans or packaged foods, obtain an SFCR import licence in MyCFIA or buy through a licensed importer. Expect requirements for: hand‑wash sinks, dishwashing with sanitizer concentration logs, potable water tests for wells, backflow prevention, ventilation, occupancy load posting, compliant washrooms, and accessibility (AODA in Ontario). If adding a patio, sidewalk café and noise permits are separate. Serving alcohol requires a provincial liquor licence. Budget timelines of 6–12 weeks and $1,500–$7,500 in permits/professional drawings. Don’t forget SOCAN/Re:Sound music licences and workers’ compensation registration.
