Tracy Macdonald, Deputy Clerk, Corporate Services provided a short review of the proposed changes to the Restaurant By-law.
The proposed amendments include:
- Definitions – added or modified to provide clarity and consistency with other Town by-laws;
- Addition of permitting charitable or not for profit organization requiring a licence to be exempt from the fee;
- Applicants must submit a copy of incorporating documents, if applicable;
- Applicants must submit proof of valid insurance of not less than 2 million dollars;
- Licence renewal timeline of 14 days; and
- Any applicants with two or more related convictions, overdue by-law fines, penalties or other monies outstanding will not be issued a license.
A comparison of the fees with area municipalities was also completed. It was determined that our fees are in the mid-range of what others are charging and staff feel an increase is not necessary at this time.
The Chair asked if there were any questions or comments from the public.
Rick Ugolini – 19 Cedar Drive – Mr. Ugolini commented that while walking along Broadway he sees people smoking outside of these restaurants. He added that nobody is supposed to smoke within nine (9) metres of an entrance.
The Chair responded that if that is going on, he encourages residents to contact the By-law Division.
The Chair asked if there were any questions from Council.
Councillor Macintosh had a question regarding charitable organizations. He asked if there is going to be an issue with everybody saying we are a charitable organization, for example, the Blues and Jazz. Is there a definition of a charitable organization?
Ms. Macdonald read the definition of “not-for-profit” to Council. She said the determination would be at the licensing issuer's discretion. The Clerk’s Division would take into consideration who was applying, what their charitable status is, and what they are using the funds for.
Councillor Stevens asked about the fees. Are the fees pro-rated, for example, if they apply in July?
Ms. Macdonald said the fees are not pro-rated. Everyone pays the $175 fee regardless of when they apply in the year.
Councillor Andrews had a question regarding convictions. Does convictions pertain to not paying their fees or does it include other convictions, for example, infractions with the LCBO?
Ms. Macdonald advised the infractions are fees owed to the Town.
Councillor Prendergast had a question about the insurance. Was the $2M recommendation based on the analysis or comparison with other municipalities of similar size?
Ms. Macdonald advised that, of the comparable municipalities, we are the only municipality that does not ask for insurance.
Mayor Post resumed the Chair at 7:14 p.m.