The Ontario Building Code | Restaurants
3.1.2.6. Restaurants
(1) A restaurant is permitted to be classified as a Group E major occupancy provided the restaurant is designed to accommodate not more than 30 persons consuming food or drink.
In Plain Language
This clause allows a restaurant to be classified as a Group E occupancy (mercantile) under specific conditions, rather than under the assembly occupancy classification that might otherwise apply, changing which set of Code requirements governs the space.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.