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By Aaron Schulze

Extended Patios

B.C. government supports temporary patios going permanent under liquor regulations

Jun 15, 2021 | 12:13 PM

VICTORIA — More than 2,000 temporary B.C. patios authorized to serve liquor during the COVID-19 pandemic can apply to become permanent under amended provincial liquor regulations.

This includes prospective patios that are supported by local governments and meet 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,” Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said.

Temporary expanded service areas (TESAs) allowed thousands of restaurants and pubs to serve more patrons while complying with provincial health orders, particularly those related to physical distancing and indoor dining. The province is extending the authorization of existing TESAs for an additional seven months – through to June 1, 2022 – and continuing to accept applications for new TESAs up to Oct. 31, 2021.

Restaurants and pubs within the City of Kamloops relied heavily on TESAs amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The city’s extended patio program began in spring of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged.

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Council previously approved using $200,000 of COVID-19 Safe Restart Funding for the program in 2021. In April 2021, Kamloops council approved spending up to $150,000 for the city’s outdoor patio extension program.

Local governments and Indigenous Nations will have until July 30, 2021, to raise concerns about existing TESA authorizations in their jurisdiction before those temporary authorizations are extended by six months by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.