Business Licenses and Registration

Municipal Business Licenses


A general business license is not required from the City of St. Thomas, although the regulations listed below apply to a select few business operations. Please check with the Licensing Department at 519-631-1680, extension 4105 to verify licensing regulations for your business. The following business licenses are required in order to operate in the City of St. Thomas

SALE OF GOODS BY-LAW No. 23-2002


Governs the sale of goods by persons going from place to place or a particular place with goods or merchandise for sale on a retail basis.

Old gold, old jewelry and other precious metal buying events are included in this by-law.

Sale of Goods License - Application Form


SALE OF PERISHABLE GOODS BY-LAW No. 10-2003


Governs the sale of perishable goods by persons going from place to place or a particular place with perishable goods for sale on a retail basis.

Sale of Perishable Goods License - Application Form


PAWNBROKERS BY-LAW No. 66-94


Governs the operation of Pawnbroker businesses located in the City. Every Pawnbroker shall give to the Corporation a security deposit in the sum of two thousand dollars ($2000.00), which is held for the duration of the Pawn Brokers business. Fees are $100.00 per year.
Pawnbrokers Application Form


NON-RESIDENT PHOTOGRAPHERS BY-LAW No. 35-63


Governs Photographers who go from place to place or to a particular place within the limits of the City who are not residents of the City of St. Thomas. This by-law does not apply to persons who take photographs for use in newspapers, magazines and periodicals or in television broadcasts or photographers on a specific assignment to local industries. Fees are $150.00 per year.


MOBILE REFRESHMENT BY-LAW No. 9-92


Governs the operation of mobile food carts, trucks and wagons.

Mobile Refreshment License - Application Form 


LODGING HOUSE BY-LAW No. 123-88


Governs the operation of lodging houses and the keepers of lodging houses. (Boarding Houses included)


ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BY-LAW No. 7-2001


Governs the operation of adult entertainment parlors.

Other Government Agencies You Should Contact