On May 30, 2023, updated requirements for convenience store licensing were passed by Toledo City Council. A convenience store is defined as an establishment under 5,000 square feet in size with both:
- a Toledo Lucas County Health Department Retail Food Establishment license and
- a State of Ohio C class liquor permit or a State of Ohio Tobacco license.
It is now mandatory for all convenience stores, existing or newly established, to obtain a license to operate within the City of Toledo. Each convenience store location requires a separate license. The first application deadline is October 1, 2023.
What You'll Need
Applicant Information
Name, physical residence address, and contact information for any person:
- with ownership interest in the premises
- with ownership interest in the business
- holding the State of Ohio liquor permits
Business Information
- Name and location of the store
- Photos of the building exterior
- Type of business incorporation
- City of Toledo tax ID number
Documents
Copies of the convenience store's:
- Toledo Lucas County Health Department Retail Food Establishment license
- State of Ohio liquor permit(s)
- State of Ohio Vendor license
- State of Ohio Tobacco license (if applicable)
Application Fee
The application fee of $500 must be paid at the time of application.
For 2023 only, the City of Toledo will waive your application fee if you integrate your store’s security cameras by purchasing a fususCORE device and subscription. You can learn more about Link Toledo at linktoledo.org.
Integrate Public Cameras
Camera sharing allows the Toledo Police Department access to your camera feed in case of an emergency near your location. Sharing your feed can improve response time and help keep you safer by providing advanced details of the situation. All you'll need is a small fususCORE device that plugs into your existing camera system.
Learn MoreOnce submitted, the City of Toledo will review the application to ensure the following criteria are satisfied:
- Applicant must be current or on a payment plan for taxes owed to the City of Toledo or Lucas County.
- Applicant must be compliant with all applicable Toledo Municipal Code Planning and Zoning Code regulations.
- Applicant must be compliant with TMC 1108.0304 (B), which pertains to the proper screening of dumpsters and trash receptacles.
- Applicant must not have any open code violations.
- Applicant must be compliant with all Building Code and Fire Prevention Code regulations.
- Food, liquor, tobacco, and vendor licenses must be valid and in good standing.
- The convenience store must operate a camera system that provides coverage of the counter where purchases are made, as well as all entries and exits on the premises. The cameras must meet specific requirements, including having a conspicuous sign indicating surveillance, operating during business hours, and maintaining retrievable images for a minimum of 14 days.
- Applicant has paid the $500 application fee OR is enrolled in the Link Toledo camera integration program.
Once issued, the license must be prominently displayed in a conspicuous place on the premises of the business, visible to customers. It is important to note that licenses are non-transferable. Any change in ownership interest in the convenience store or change in the holder of the liquor permit requires the submission of a new application. Licenses must be renewed annually.
Licenses may be denied or revoked for violations of Title XXIX or Title XLIII of the Ohio Revised Code. Individuals with a revoked license cannot reapply for a license within one year of revocation, and no license may be issued for the revoked premises within one year. Operating a convenience store without the required license is considered a misdemeanor of the fourth degree and a penalty of $500 per day may be assessed.
We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in operating your convenience store. Together, we can contribute to the well-being and safety of our community.