The City of Toronto is seeking input to inform a review of licensing and zoning regulations for bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, as well as strategies to support Toronto’s night economy – the social, cultural and business activities that occur from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The public is encouraged to participate by completing an online survey and/or by attending an in-person or virtual consultation to share feedback.
A healthy night economy supports the nighttime needs of residents and is essential to Toronto’s vibrancy. Nighttime activities include entertainment, such as concerts, dining out and dancing, as well as practical necessities such as grocery shopping and working. The City is working towards a clear, modern approach to classifying business types that aligns with evolving business models and provides flexibility, while ensuring an appropriate level of regulatory oversight to mitigate potential community nuisance and public safety issues.
The City is looking for input from residents, industry professionals, business owners and cultural event producers. Through the Night Economy Review, the City intends to:
• Develop recommendations for a vibrant and inclusive night economy, which includes support for Toronto’s cultural, live music, and entertainment industries
• Create strategies that promote safe, healthy and sustainable communities for residents and businesses
• Update licensing categories and requirements for bars, restaurants and entertainment venues – including nightclubs and live music venues
• Change zoning regulations that define where and under what conditions these businesses can operate in Toronto
Public consultation sessions will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 12 and Thursday, April 13 and in person on Monday, April 17. The link to the survey and details on how to register are available on the City’s Night Economy Review webpage at: www.toronto.ca/NightEconomyRev
Feedback and insights from the survey and consultations will inform recommendations on licensing and zoning amendments for Committee and Council consideration in fall 2023, as well as longer-term strategies for enhancing Toronto’s night economy. More information is available on the City’s Night Economy Review webpage www.toronto.ca/NightEconomyRev
Toronto is a city that runs 24/7. Toronto’s Night Economy Review is important to ensure we support the night economy with modernized regulations that meet the needs of businesses today, while at the same time ensuring Toronto after dark is safe, accessible, vibrant, and… https://t.co/vQQfvPNsKy
— Jennifer McKelvie (@McKelvieTO) March 29, 2023
Quotes:
“Toronto is a city that runs 24/7. We have bars, restaurants and entertainment venues that operate past midnight. Toronto’s Night Economy Review is important to ensure we support the night economy with modernized regulations that meet the needs of businesses, while at the same time ensuring Toronto after dark is safe, accessible, vibrant, and inclusive.”
– Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park)
“As the City’s ‘Night Economy Champion,’ I am working to establish a cohesive and respectful harmony between local communities and Toronto’s nighttime businesses and their patrons. I think it’s important that we hear from a wide range of residents, businesses, employees, and anyone active at night as part of this review. I encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences via either the online survey or one of the public consultation sessions. To build Toronto’s night economy smartly and sustainably, we need your input.”
– Councillor Paul Ainslie (Scarborough-Guildwood)
SOURCE City of Toronto
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