Thread by @jpags

The original location for Adamson Barbecue in Leaside has never had a business licence and is not permitted under zoning rules. My exclusive story: thestar.com/news/gta/2020/…

I spoke with Skelly by email for this story. He says he submitted an application in 2016 but city says they needed more info. He says it’s an old bylaw that doesn’t allow restaurants that is in the way and getting a licence “is my preferred solution but has not been possible.”

But the city says even if he applied under the new harmonized bylaw, the restaurant still wouldn’t be a permitted use. An eatery is allowed, but has to have interior area <500 square metres. Skelly applied for 523m2

Skelly says this isn’t about being anti-establishment. So what about the Etobicoke location?

Here’s the thing — Skelly actually *saved* money by not having a licence even though the max fines are as high as $50,000 and laws allow business to be closed for two years. That and more explained here: thestar.com/news/gta/2020/…

City officials were asked about my story at the 2PM briefing. City spokesperson Brad Ross said they have charged the owner/business but "it is the courts though that impose penalties"

"It's disappointing that he's flouting the law like this," said enforcement boss Carleton Grant