Background Checks for Business Licences - London

Business and Consumer Protection Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario, background checks are commonly required as part of applications for certain business licences to protect public safety and ensure regulatory compliance. This guide explains which licences typically trigger checks, what information is reviewed, how to obtain and submit checks, and where to get official guidance from the City of London and London Police Service. Follow the steps below to prepare documents, meet deadlines, and respond to enforcement or appeal processes if they arise. For licence-specific requirements, always verify the exact conditions listed on the City of London licensing pages and contact By-law Services or Licensing staff directly for your licence class.

Types of licences that may require background checks

Several classes of municipal business licences commonly require a police or background check, particularly where the business involves public safety, vulnerable persons, or trust positions. Typical licence types include taxi and private transportation drivers, security services, adult entertainment, personal services where intimate contact occurs, and certain contractors when required by licensing conditions.

What a background check covers

  • Criminal convictions and relevant charges that relate to public-safety suitability.
  • Vulnerable sector screening where applicants will work with children, seniors or other vulnerable groups.
  • Identity verification and any disclosure required by the licence class.
Some licences require a vulnerable sector check; confirm exact requirements before applying.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of London enforces business licensing requirements through By-law Services and Licensing staff. Specific monetary fines, escalation schemes, and exact penalty amounts for licence-related offences are set out in municipal by-laws and enforcement policies; where a schedule or amount is not posted on the City pages below, the amount is not specified on the cited page and applicants should contact By-law Services for the current fines and enforcement practice.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for all licence classes; see the City enforcement page for details and schedules.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences are handled according to the by-law and enforcement policy; ranges or escalation steps are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to comply, licence suspension or revocation, seizure of goods, or charges in court are possible where the by-law empowers such measures; specifics are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Enforcer: By-law Services and Licensing staff enforce municipal licence rules; criminal matters or police-record issues involve London Police Service for checks and investigations.[2]
  • Complaints and inspections: report complaints or request inspections through City of London By-law Services contact channels.[1]
Contact By-law Services promptly if you receive a notice of non-compliance.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes licence application instructions and online forms for many licence classes; the primary City licensing page provides links to application portals and contact directions. If a form name, number, fee, or submission method is not shown for a specific licence on the City pages, that detail is not specified on the cited page and you should contact Licensing staff to confirm required documents and fees.[1]

  • Typical requirement: completed licence application, police record check or vulnerable sector check, photo ID, and any supporting certificates (insurance, training) as required by the licence class.[1]
  • Fees: fees vary by licence type and are listed where the City posts fee schedules; if not visible, fee amount is not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Submission: many licences allow online application or in-person submission to Licensing; check the City portal and contact details on the licence page.[1]

How background checks are obtained

Applicants typically obtain a police-record check from London Police Service or an accredited police service that performs checks for London residents. The City may require a specific type of check (standard, criminal record check, or vulnerable sector screening) and may specify how recent the check must be. If the exact type or age of check for a licence is not listed on the City page, that requirement is not specified on the cited page and applicants should confirm with Licensing staff before submitting.[2]

Police-record checks are issued by the police service, not by the City.

Actions: apply, appeal, report

  • Apply: complete the City application and attach the required police record check as instructed on the licence page.[1]
  • Appeal or review: appeals of licence decisions follow the City process or statutory appeal route for the specific by-law; time limits for appeals are set in the by-law or decision notice and if not published the time limit is not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Report violations: contact By-law Services using the City reporting portal or phone numbers on the City enforcement page.[1]

FAQ

Do all business licences in London require a background check?
Not all licences require checks; only specific classes identified by Licensing or By-law Services require police record checks or vulnerable sector screening.
Where do I get a police record check?
Obtain police-record checks from London Police Service or other police services that offer checks for London residents; the City will indicate the required type on the licence page.[2]
What if the check shows a record?
Decisions depend on the nature and relevance of the record to the licence; the City may refuse, suspend, or impose conditions in accordance with by-law provisions and discretionary review.

How-To

  1. Identify the licence class on the City of London licensing page and read the specific background-check requirement.[1]
  2. Request the correct police-record check type from London Police Service and obtain any required vulnerable sector screening.[2]
  3. Complete the City licence application, attach the background check and required documents, and pay the application fee as instructed.
  4. If refused or sanctioned, follow the appeal or review instructions provided with the City decision notice and meet any filing deadlines stated there.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the City licence page first to confirm whether a police record or vulnerable sector check is required for your licence class.[1]
  • Obtain the correct type of police-record check from London Police Service and submit it with your application.[2]
  • Contact By-law Services or Licensing staff for fee, form, and enforcement details when the City pages do not specify amounts or deadlines.[1]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of London - Business licences and permits
  2. [2] City of London - By-law Services
  3. [3] London Police Service - Police record checks

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