Start Windsor Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers Today
This page gives a practical, bite-sized roadmap for starting Windsor beer, wine, and liquor retailers (NAICS 445320). You’ll get a clear overview of the 13 requirements, the permits you’ll need, and the typical costs and timelines to move from idea to open store. It’s designed to be actionable, with steps you can act on right away rather than vague theory.
What you’ll learn: a realistic timeline, the permit landscape, and how to prepare your premises for licensing. You’ll see how licensing works with AGCO, municipal approvals, and required checks; what kinds of costs to expect (licensing, build-out, security, signage, and renewals); and the sequence of steps—from securing a suitable location and filing applications to inspections and staff training.
Why Windsor is a strong fit: border-city energy, proximity to Detroit, diverse consumer demand for beer, wine, and spirits, and a supportive local business ecosystem. With the right plan, you can navigate the 13 requirements efficiently and launch a thriving retail store in Windsor.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a beer, wine, and liquor retailer in Windsor, Ontario is Food Handler Certification (Restaurant Staff). This certification is legally required for staff who handle food or beverages, and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable and must be in place before staff interact with customers or manage products.
Next, focus on mandatory operational requirements that keep your doors compliant and safe. You’ll need to follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to provide a safe workplace, and comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to stay accessible to all customers. It’s also important to have WSIB registration and coverage so employees are protected in case of work-related injuries, and maintain Commercial General Liability Insurance to cover common risks in retail and service. In addition, align with Product Safety Compliance (Retail) and Retail Sales Standards and Consumer Protection to ensure products are safe and sales practices are fair and transparent.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll want to complete the basics early. Obtain a City of Windsor Business Licence, register your Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, and register your Ontario business name with ServiceOntario. If you have employees, set up GST/HST registration and Payroll Deductions Registration so you’re handling taxes and payroll correctly from the start.
You’re not alone—planning now pays off later. Start by securing the Food Handler Certification, then line up OHSA, AODA, WSIB, and insurance, and get your registrations in place. A quick check-in with Windsor’s city licensing, ServiceOntario, and the CRA will keep you on track. If you need help, consider engaging a local advisor to map out a simple, practical compliance checklist and timeline.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a beer, wine, and liquor retailers in Windsor:
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Retail Sales Standards and Consumer Protection RequiredRetailers must comply with consumer protection laws including accurate pricing, return policies, warranties, and prohibition of unfair practices. Consumer Protection Act 2002 governs retail sales. No false advertising. Proper pricing (Scanner Price Accuracy Code voluntary). Receipt requirements. Return policies must be disclosed. Gift cards: no expiry. Door-to-door sales restrictions. Contact Consumer Protection Ontario: 1-800-889-9768.
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Windsor. Apply to City of Windsor for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Windsor Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Food Handler Certification (Restaurant Staff) RequiredFood service workers must complete food handler training and certification. Required by most health units in Ontario for anyone handling food. O. Reg. 493/17 requires certified food handler present during ALL hours of operation. Not just one per establishment. $25-100 training cost. 5-year validity. 70% pass mark. Multiple providers: CIFS, ServSafe, others approved by local PHU. At least one certified person in each location during operation. Contact local Public Health Unit.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Product Safety Compliance (Retail) RequiredRetailers must ensure products meet Canadian safety standards, properly label products, report safety incidents, and participate in product recalls when required. Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) applies federally. Health Canada enforces. Mandatory incident reporting for serious harm. 6-year record keeping. Recall responsibilities. No provincial retail license for general products. Children's product safety requirements stricter. Cosmetics: labeling and notification. Check recall database. Contact Health Canada: 1-866-662-0666.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Compliance ConditionalRequired for businesses with 50+ employees. Some apply to all serving public. Businesses must comply with AODA standards for customer service, information/communications, employment, and public spaces to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. All Ontario employers with 1+ employees must comply with AODA. Five standards: customer service, information/communications, employment, transportation, built environment. Large orgs (50+): accessibility plans, website WCAG 2.0 AA. Report every 3 years. Target: barrier-free by Jan 1, 2025. Penalties: up to $100,000/day (corps). Contact: 1-866-515-2025.
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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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Commercial General Liability Insurance (Retail/Services) RecommendedRetail and service businesses should maintain commercial general liability insurance covering customer injuries, property damage, and product liability. Often required by landlords. CGL recommended for all retail/service businesses. Not legally mandated but industry standard. Typical $1M-2M coverage. Landlords require. Covers slip-and-fall, product liability. Property coverage separate. Business interruption recommended. Cyber liability increasingly important. Contact RIBO broker for quotes.
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