Launching or operating a restaurant or bar in Toronto or anywhere in Ontario requires navigating a complex regulatory landscape, including liquor licensing, municipal compliance, food safety requirements, leasing, contracts, and more. At Substance Law, we help hospitality entrepreneurs, operators, and investors build compliant, profitable, and sustainable food and beverage businesses. We’re Toronto restaurant lawyers, Toronto bar lawyers, and Toronto nightclub lawyers.
As a Toronto-based law firm focused on regulated industries, we’re able to assist restaurants, bars, breweries, cafés, caterers, ghost kitchens, food manufacturers, and other food-related ventures throughout Ontario. Whether you’re opening your first establishment or managing multiple locations, our team provides strategic, end-to-end legal support at every stage of your business.
Why Choose Substance Law for Your Restaurant or Bar Business?
✔ Deep Expertise in Ontario’s Food & Hospitality Regulations
Ontario’s hospitality sector is one of the most regulated in Canada. Our lawyers understand the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), municipal bylaws, public health requirements, and industry best practices—ensuring your business remains compliant and protected.
✔ End-to-End Support for New & Established Businesses
From concept development and licensing strategy to contract negotiation and dispute resolution, we help owners make informed decisions and prevent costly legal challenges.
✔ A Toronto Firm with Ontario-Wide Reach
We assist clients across Toronto, the GTA, and all regions of Ontario, including Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Niagara, and Northern Ontario. To find out more information about municipal licensing requirements in Toronto for restaurants, follow this link.
Our Legal Services for Restaurants & Bars
1. AGCO Liquor Licensing & Compliance
We assist with all liquor licence and permit matters, including:
- New Liquor Sales Licence Applications
- Transfers of liquor licences
- Temporary extension applications
- Endorsements (Patios, BYOB, Catering Endorsements, etc.)
- SOPs (Special Occasion Permits)
- AGCO compliance inspections
- Notices of proposal and licence revocation defence
- Regulatory compliance strategy
Whether you’re opening a new venue or expanding an existing one, we ensure your application is accurate, complete, and optimized for approval.
2. Municipal Permits & Bylaw Compliance
Restaurants and bars operate under strict city and regional regulations. We assist with:
- Zoning and land-use compliance
- Building permits and change-of-use issues
- Noise bylaw compliance
- Sidewalk café and patio permits
- Business licence applications
- Fire code and occupancy compliance
We work directly with municipalities across Ontario to help you avoid delays, fines, or forced closures.
3. Food Safety, Public Health & Liability
Ontario venues must comply with stringent public health and food safety standards. We provide guidance on:
- Toronto Public Health and regional health inspections
- Food Premises Regulation compliance
- Hazard analysis and food-handling compliance
- Liability prevention and risk management
- Responses to inspection failures, warnings, or closures
We help you address issues proactively and respond strategically to public health notices.
4. Commercial Leasing for Restaurants & Bars
Restaurant leasing requires specialized legal review due to unique risks and obligations. We provide:
- Lease review and negotiation
- Assistance with personal guarantees
- Tenant and landlord dispute resolution
- Terminations, assignments, and renewals
- Compliance with build-out and use provisions
Our team ensures your lease protects your business—now and long-term.
5. Contracts: Drafting, Review & Negotiation
Restaurants and bars rely on a wide range of contracts. We draft and negotiate:
- Supplier and vendor agreements
- Partnership and shareholder agreements
- Franchise agreements
- Employment and contractor agreements
- Equipment leasing contracts
- Distribution and wholesale agreements
Protect your business from hidden liabilities and vague terms that could harm operations.
6. Business Structuring & Start-Up Strategy
For new hospitality ventures, we provide:
- Incorporation and corporate structuring
- Licensing strategy consultation
- Location and zoning due diligence
- Franchise development support
- Risk assessment and liability planning
We help you build a legally sound foundation before your business opens its doors.
7. Dispute Resolution for Restaurant & Bar Owners
Conflicts can disrupt operations and threaten reputations. We assist with:
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Contract disputes
- Partnership conflicts
- Licensing violations
- Customer, supplier, or employee disputes
- Regulatory charges or enforcement actions
Our team works to resolve issues efficiently—through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when necessary.
Who We Serve
We represent businesses across the food and beverage sector, including:
- Restaurants & fine dining establishments
- Bars, lounges, and nightclubs
- Breweries and distilleries
- Cafés and bakeries
- Caterers and event venues
- Ghost kitchens and virtual restaurants
- Food manufacturers and distributors
- Hotel food & beverage operators
- Multi-location hospitality groups
Whether your business is large or small, we provide tailored advice that fits your goals. We’re Toronto nightclub and bar lawyers and also have experience across other food establishments.
Start or Grow Your Restaurant or Bar with Confidence
Launching and operating a hospitality establishment requires more than passion—it demands a strong legal strategy, proper licensing, airtight contracts, and full regulatory compliance.
Substance Law is here to help you navigate every step.
Contact Substance Law Today
Ready to start, expand, or safeguard your Toronto or Ontario food & beverage business?
Get in touch for a consultation.
Our team will provide clear, actionable guidance and long-term legal support you can trust.
