BRAMPTON, ON — The City of Brampton has approved a series of important amendments to its Mobile Licensing By-law aimed at enhancing public safety, improving regulatory efficiency, and ensuring stronger compliance from mobile businesses operating in the city. The changes, shaped by community input, mark a major step forward in streamlining business practices and safeguarding community health.
One of the key changes is a new application fee structure for mobile business licences. Applicants are now required to pay a non-refundable 50 per cent deposit when submitting their documents, replacing the previous one-time payment system. The new structure is designed to provide greater financial flexibility for business owners while improving licensing process efficiency.
The updated by-law also introduces new licensing requirements for peddlers—those who sell goods like fruit, flags, or other items while walking through public areas or operating temporary stands. These vendors must now obtain a Mobile Business Licence and provide proof of origin for their merchandise to ensure health and safety standards are met.
Ride-share regulation has also been strengthened. All licensed platforms, including the newly added service Hopp, must ensure their drivers hold valid licences and operate safe, roadworthy vehicles. Enforcement officers now have the authority to issue tickets directly to non-compliant drivers and suspend them from platforms until issues are resolved.
The refreshment vehicle sector—which includes food trucks and hot dog stands—is also seeing enhanced oversight. New spacing rules require a minimum of five metres between food vehicles on smaller lots and 10 metres for additional vehicles on larger properties. All refreshment vehicles must still maintain a 50-metre distance from permanent food establishments like restaurants and cafés.
Additional requirements include a site map, zoning confirmation, and written property owner permission for new applicants wishing to operate on private property. Property owners must also ensure access to washrooms for food truck staff and customers. Licensing responsibility will now extend to property owners, who are expected to ensure compliance with municipal standards.
The city is offering a 45-day grace period for affected businesses to meet the new requirements. Non-compliance may result in fines of $250 for the first offence, with the same amount or a potential summons for subsequent violations.
Brampton officials say they are committed to working collaboratively with mobile operators and property owners to ensure a smooth transition and will offer guidance and support throughout the process.
More details are available at brampton.ca/mobilelicensing.