BC extends patio service rules through October 2021

As we continue to learn how to live with COVID-19, we need to support successful adaptations such as expanded service areas for restaurants and pubs. The summer experiment with sidewalk patios and outdoor seating has, by most accounts, been a success.

The Chamber applauds the provincial government by formally extending measures to allow expanded services areas for another year.

In May, BC's Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch began permitting food-primary, liquor-primary and manufacturer licensees, such as wineries, breweries and distilleries, to apply for a Temporary Expanded Service Area. These were originally set to expire at the end of October but the initiative will now run until October 2021.

As of Sept. 11, 1,073 permits were approved in BC after businesses received the green light from their local municipality.