A Business Licence Review is the formal process for the City to cancel, suspend, refuse to issue, or impose conditions on a business licence under certain grounds as specified in the Business Licence Bylaw. Most licence reviews are because of public interest or safety concerns—for example, dangerous activities or conditions or failed code inspections. Licence reviews can also be due to things like violating City bylaws, not following conditions on a licence, or if a business licence application has false information.
Who is Responsible for a Business Licence Review
The authority for a licence review is delegated from the City Manager to either the Business Licensing Program Manager, or the Strategic Planning and Policy Analyst. One of these people will complete the licence review and make a decision.
When Business Licences are Reviewed
A licence review can be done during the application or renewal process, or after a licence has already been issued. Most licence reviews start when the City receives a proposal or recommendation from a regulatory or enforcement agency such as the Edmonton Police Service or Alberta Health Services. The proposal must include relevant evidence and information to support the proposed action before a licence review may proceed.
In some cases, the City can start a licence review without an agency proposal. This usually only happens when the circumstances are straightforward - for example, a business does not have a valid development or building permit.
How to Know if Your Business Licence is Under Review
Once the City decides that your business licence will be reviewed, a written notice will be sent to you by mail or email. The notice will explain why your licence is under review and possible outcomes of the review.
Any evidence or information being considered will be shared with you, and you will have an opportunity to respond in writing. Any information or evidence that you provide will be considered before a decision is made as long as you respond by the deadline in the notice (usually two weeks).
What to do if you Have Questions
Email businesslicencepolicy@edmonton.ca and a senior employee from the Business Licensing team will answer any questions that you may have about the process.
If your business licence is under review, we will provide you with a dedicated contact person. Please note, we can only provide general information to help you understand the licence review process, so you may want to consult your own lawyer. City staff cannot provide legal advice, or help you with your response to the notice of proposal.
Appealing a Decision
You have 14 days from the day you receive the City’s decision to appeal the decision to the Community Standards and Licence Appeal Committee (CSLAC). The Community Standards and Licence Appeal Committee is a City Council Committee established to hear appeals of licensing decisions, and requests for review of Municipal Government Act orders, and weed control notices. Further information is available on the CSLAC page on the Edmonton Tribunals website.
CSLAC has the same decision-making authority as the City and has the power to uphold, overturn, or modify the City’s decision.
Third Party Business Licence Review Requests
Those with concerns about a particular business cannot request a business licence review. We encourage you to contact the appropriate regulatory agency with the authority to investigate your concerns and follow up with the business. The agency can request a business licence review if necessary.