B.C. offers to make temporary patio licences permanent

More than 2,000 temporary patios authorized to serve liquor in British Columbia during the COVID-19 pandemic can be made permanent under amended provincial regulations.

In a statement Tuesday, the province set out its plan to help small businesses such as restaurants, bars and breweriescontinue operating temporary expanded service patios to recover from the financial impactof COVID-19 restrictions, including patiossupported by local governmentsthatmeet local bylaws.

"Temporary patios have been a lifeline for so many businesses and workers in the hospitality sector, and we're committed to making these expanded serving areas part of their long-term recovery and beyond," said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth.

To ensure existing temporary patio spaces can operate without interruption as they transition to permanent status, the province has promised to extendtheir authorization through to June 1, 2022.

It will also continueto accept applications for new temporary outdoor patios untilOct. 31 this year.

The changes also provide local governments and First Nations more time to review eligible applications for permanent structural changes before temporary authorizations expire, and to consider the implications of permanent approval for their communities, the province said.

'Uncommon anddifficult times'

The B.C. Restaurant and Food Services Associationsays the announcement provides the certainty its members have been asking for.

"[Temporary outdoor patios]have been a make-or-break opportunity for so many operations struggling through these uncommon and difficult times," said president and CEO Ian Tostenson.

Local governments and First Nations will have until July 30 to raise concerns about existing authorizations in their jurisdiction.

Without a new authorization letter, existing temporary authorizationswill expire Oct. 31, according to the statement.

More information can be found at B.C.'sLiquor and Cannabis Regulation Branchwebsite.