Launch Your Saint John Drinking Place: Start a Successful Bar
This page gives a practical roadmap for starting a Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) business in Saint John under NAICS 722410. You’ll find a concise overview of the nine requirements, the licenses and permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from approval to opening.
You’ll learn what to secure at each step: the nine requirements, the provincial liquor license process, Saint John municipal permits and zoning clearances, occupancy and fire safety checks, and essential business registrations. We’ll break down costs (licenses, insurance, fit-out, ongoing fees) and map a practical timeline so you can budget, set milestones, and move confidently from idea to opening.
Saint John’s growing dining and nightlife, waterfront tourism, and local supplier networks make this city a smart fit for a new drinking place. With the right permits and a solid plan, you can create a welcoming spot that fits both your vision and the local market.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a drinking place in Saint John is Liquor Licence. You cannot legally serve or sell alcohol without it, and obtaining this licence is NON-NEGOTIABLE. It is issued by the province and governs how you can serve, where you can operate, and other key rules. Without this licence, you cannot open your doors to the public.
Beyond the liquor licence, there are mandatory operational requirements to keep things compliant and safe. You’ll need a Municipal Business Licence from Saint John to operate legally within the city, and you should be prepared to meet health and safety expectations for your staff and customers. In addition, employers must have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage, which helps protect workers in case of an injury. Plan ahead for these permits and safeguards so your day-to-day operations run smoothly and safely.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll handle several filings. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, registering your business name with New Brunswick’s SNB system (if you’re not operating under a pre-registered name), and choosing the right legal structure (partnership or NB corporation) if applicable. You’ll also likely need GST/HST registration if your revenue meets the threshold, set up payroll deductions for staff, and ensure ongoing WorkSafeNB coverage as an employer. These registrations and registrations keep your finances and reporting in order.
You’ve got this. A practical next step is to start with the Liquor Licence application and your Saint John business licence, then line up the BN, SNB, and any corporate or partnership registrations. Gather supporting documents, set up your payroll and tax accounts, and map out a realistic timeline. If you reach out to Service NB, the Saint John city licensing office, and the NB Liquor Corporation early, you’ll turn these requirements into a clear, doable plan and move confidently toward opening.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a drinking places (alcoholic beverages) in Saint John:
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Liquor Licence RequiredLicence for liquor service. To obtain a liquor licence in New Brunswick: 1. Determine licence type needed 2. Complete application form online/paper 3. Submit to Service New Brunswick with fee 4. Pass inspections as required 5. Receive licence 6. Comply with all conditions and renewals
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John 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 Saint John 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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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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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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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your drinking places (alcoholic beverages):
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The Tourism Relief Fund was a $500-million federal program administered through Canada's regional development agencies and ISED to help the tourism sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund supported eligible projects involving capital upgrades, product development, and adaptation of tourism offerings to public health measures. The program's two-year …
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offered repayable interest-free contributions (up to $250,000) for SMEs and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profits in the tourism sector. Approximately 15% of funding was earmarked for Indigenous tourism. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. The program ran from 2023–2026 and is now fully subscribed and closed …
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Provided up to $25,000 per business to Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Canada. Administered by ITAC through provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations under a $10 million allocation from the $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (Budget 2022). All four rounds are completed, with approximately $8.1 million distributed to approximately 330 businesses. …
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The $108M Tourism Growth Program (TGP) funded tourism businesses, associations, Indigenous tourism organizations, post-secondary institutions, and governments to create or improve tourism offerings, invest in digitization, extend seasons, and promote active outdoor experiences. Businesses received interest-free repayable contributions up to $250,000; not-for-profits received non-repayable contributions. Applications are no longer being …
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