55 extended patio licenses dished out in Vancouver

The City of Vancouver has released a list of 55 establishments that will be able to serve on their patios until midnight, as it moves to extend patio hours ahead of summer.

The old curfew for late-night patio drinkers was 11 p.m.But inFebruarycouncil decided to extend patio hours to midnight, after a successfulpilot program in 2013 aimed at improvingthe city's nightlife.

The bars and restaurantsthat have been approved for extendedpatiohours include locations across the city, ranging from the West End, Yaletown and Gastown to Kitsilano, Dunbar-Southlands and Mount Pleasant.

President of the B.C. Restaurant Association Ian Tostensen saidhe welcomes the move.

"It's about getting the public's confidence and expanding it over time," he said. "The balance they have to walk here is making sure the safe and quiet enjoyment of the neighbourhoods around."

The city says more than 500 other businesses can apply for the extension, but they have to have a good track record, up-to-date insurance and no noise complaints on file within the past year.

Tostensen hopes other businesses will apply,pointing out that the extra 60 minutes can make a big difference.

"Say 50 people come in ... and spend another $10on a drink ... that's $500."

The extended patio hours will run between April and October.

To see a detailed map showing the patios with extended licenses, click on the image below.