Launch Your Moncton Full-Service Restaurant: A Practical Guide

This page offers a clear, practical path to opening a full-service restaurant in Moncton (NAICS 722511). It breaks down the nine requirements you’ll need to meet, and it explains the permits, typical costs, and timeline involved—so you can plan your move from concept to grand opening with confidence.

You’ll learn the step-by-step flow, including business registration, municipal and occupancy permits, health and safety inspections, kitchen layout approvals, signage, and staff certifications. It outlines which permits apply, what managers must arrange, and how long each stage usually takes, with a realistic budget range for licenses, inspections, construction, equipment, and initial operating costs.

Moncton’s growing dining scene, affordable commercial space, and supportive local resources make it a great place to start. The city’s steady visitor draw and strong community vibe help a new full-service restaurant attract loyal customers while you navigate the nine requirements and build a solid foundation for long-term success.

Business Type
Full-Service Restaurants
Location
Moncton

Requirements Overview

The most critical requirement for operating a restaurant in Moncton is Liquor Licence. This licence is legally required if you plan to serve alcohol, and you cannot legally operate a full‑service restaurant without it. It is non‑negotiable and must be in place before you start serving drinks; processing times vary and approvals depend on your location, premises layout, and overall compliance with provincial rules.

Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety come first. If you have employees, you must secure New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to provide workplace injury protection. You will also need a Municipal Business Licence to operate legally in Moncton and to meet local health codes and inspections. These items group together the essentials you need to run a safe, compliant operation on a day‑to‑day basis.

Business Registration & Tax: Beyond licences, you’ll handle business registration and tax setup. Register for a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, and for a New Brunswick Business Name (SNB) registration. Choose your business structure (Partnership or NB Corporation) and complete the corresponding registrations. You’ll also likely need GST/HST Registration if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA if you have employees.

Encouragement: Start with the Liquor Licence and the municipal licence process, then tackle your business structure and registrations in a logical order. Map out a realistic timeline, gather the required documents, and consider consulting Service NB or a local business adviser to keep you on track. You’ve got this—taking these steps now will set a solid, compliant foundation for your Moncton restaurant.

Detailed Requirements

Here are the specific requirements for starting a full-service restaurants in Moncton:

  • Liquor Licence Required
    Licence 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
  • Business Licence Required
    General business licence required to operate a business in City of Moncton. Apply to City of Moncton 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 Moncton Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
  • Business Number (BN) Registration Required
    A 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).
  • New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) Required
    Businesses 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
  • Partnership Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • NB Corporation Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • GST/HST Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • Payroll Deductions Registration Conditional
    Required 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.
  • New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage Conditional
    Required 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 full-service restaurants:

  • 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 …
  • 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 …
  • 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. …
  • 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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