Curb lane cafés provide expanded temporary outdoor dining space for use by licensed food and drink establishments. Curb lane cafés are outdoor dining areas located on the street, directly adjacent to a curb.
In 2023, a one-time (non-refundable), flat rate application fee of $285 will be charged when the original application is made. This fee is not charged when a permit is renewed. Application fees will increase in 2024 and 2025.
In 2023, a one-time (non-refundable) transfer fee of $338.13 is charged each time a permit is transferred. For a permit transfer to be approved, it must meet the requirements set out in the Chapter 742. For more information and to initiate the permit transfer, please contact CafeTO@toronto.ca.
Seasonal permit fees for curb lane cafes are based on a café’s size (measured in square metres). A seasonal permit fee must be paid each year. In 2023, the seasonal permit fee for a curb lane café is $43.70 per square metre (m²).
CafeTO curb lane café permit fees will be phased in over three years, beginning in 2023, with fees this season (2023) set at 33 per cent of the rate that will be charged in 2025.
| Year | Cost per square metre |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $43.70 |
| 2024 | $87.40 |
| 2025 | $132.42 |
It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulations as well as adhere to any conditions on their liquor sales licence. Restaurant and bar operators wishing to apply for permanent changes to liquor licences will still need to apply for approvals through the AGCO.
In 2022, the provincial government amended Regulation 746/21 to the Liquor Licence and Control Act to establish new options for approving temporary outdoor physical extensions, which took effect January 1, 2023. The new framework replaces the temporary AGCO policy that was in place between 2020 and 2022 and allows the City to approve temporary outdoor physical extensions if the establishment has an existing permanent liquor sales licence and the extended licensed area is adjacent 10 metres or less to the existing licensed establishment.