How hard to get Liquor license when buying established Lounge???
- Thread starter cute-bald
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No offense but if you don't know the answer to that, then isn't that a strong indicator that you shouldn't be getting into the business until you know the answer?
Its time consuming but not truly difficult. PM me if you want details...I helped some friends acquire a spot on St. Joseph's street now. First thing you can do is google "obtaining liquor licences in Ontario Toronto" and that will give you a head start.
Ice has a nice location...its just too pretentious looking though and I would never go there for a drink unless I was to the 9s and I still don't think I would have fun....so good luck and I hope you get it and turn it into something fun on the Danforth.
Ice has a nice location...its just too pretentious looking though and I would never go there for a drink unless I was to the 9s and I still don't think I would have fun....so good luck and I hope you get it and turn it into something fun on the Danforth.
As long as you do not have a criminal record it should not be too difficult, at least that is what I hear.
In any case, first thing you do is install a good kitchen and hire a really good Greek Chef.
If the place is currently licensed, and you have a clean record, it is pretty easy. If you want to establish a new license, it is a Kafkaesque nightmare of forms, inspections and regulations, it will take three months at least. There are fixers who say they can speed it up, for big bucks.
That is what I wanted to know. Is it a quick formality to check the new owner has no crimminal record, no d.u.i. & no L.L. infractions & then transferred? Obviously the place has met the standards & is currently licensed. Indeed a kitchen & a limited menue of great Greek appetisers would be smart. NOT smart to turn into another Greek restaraunt & compete with the many already existing establishments. It serves a unique purpose as a trendy upscale hang-out place. Keebler Elf it is one thing to know the beuracratic details of getting a license & knowing the administration of a lounge/ bar. I have read the site on obtaining L.L. But this is an already established place with a L.L. I have heard there is just a few formalities to clear new owner but that info may be unreliable so I am just checking if anyone has first hand knowledge. I did work for a time 20 years ago at a pub. The new owner is willing to give 6 months training & transition into new ownership.
Try reading the site on transferring a liquor licence, which seems to be what you're looking for:
http://www.agco.on.ca/en/whatwedo/licence_transfer.aspx
^^^^ yes but as usual the beurocracy never tells you if it is pretty standard, quick check and ..... how long in the real world it can take. Anyone have first hand knowledge of such transfer of ownership??? I will ask the owner & his broker BUT since I will be trying to buy the place they may put a not so true , optamistic view of the process.
I would imagine because there isn't a standard. They will look into you, and if they find something that needs more looking, they will do so.
^^^ Yes & NO. A L.L. new requires approval of the physical premise & community acceptability..... PLUS approval of the person who "owns" & is responsible for the license & proper adhereing to rules of license. An already established place need approval of new owner: for eg. no crimminal record, no past infractures in owning a L.L. , good conduct ( such as no suspension of drivers license). Not sure if they care about someone who filed bankrupsy in the past ( I have not). On their web site they explain they want to know likelyhood of individual to follow the rules of L.L. & maintain law & order in a licensed establishment.
I almost bought a place last year that had a license, but that would have been too easy. So I bought one without a license, now I am getting one, it is somewhat of a nightmare. But the intention with existing licences is that you can get it transferred without having to close down. As long as the seller is cooperative, and will hold the license until they approve you, you should be fine. My advice is to find a lawyer who specifically is familiar with liquor license work, it will be worth the money.
^^^ Good advise. Thanks. Also I shall, if I proceed, make a condition that the seller is paid out over agreed time frame while training & transitioning. I have a friend who is high up in business banking at one of the major banks. He says training & transition is typically 6 months min.
The back half is " The Red Room" ( it also has bar) which can be reserved for private parties. Also just like most nitclubs they are not busy Mon-Thurs. Sooooo no problem... FOR SURE! See the facebook page for Ice Longe & the photo gallery . Lots of pics of hot patrons, bartenders & servers. I read a review that the owner always has HOT E.E. bartenders & servers. 
I lived in Greek town for years. Ice was one venue that never seemed to have any patrons. My friends and I used to think it was a front for something or a tax write off as it was so dead.
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