Reasons for judgement were released today by the BC Supreme Court, Vancouver Registry, finding that a fee charging martial arts school is no different than any other business and is required to purchase a business licence.
In today’s case (City of Burnaby v. Gildemeester dba Master Gee’s Black Belt Academy) the Respondent failed to pay its renewal fee from 2010-2014. When the City asked for these payments to be made the Respondent replied arguing he was not required to purchase a business licence. The Respondent argued that “he is exercising private rights with other private persons and is not “operating” in the public. He asserts that a private person need not obtain a business licence to do private activities.“.
The BC Supreme Court disagreed and granted a permanent and mandatory injunction preventing the business from operating in the City of Burnaby unless it obtained a valid licence.
Not quite an earth shattering development, just a quick judicial reminder that there is nothing special about for profit martial arts academies exempting them from the requirements other businesses must comply with
Combat Sports Law 