Sidewalk patio in Vernon (Photo credit: Downtown Vernon Association)

By Pete McIntyre

Changes to liquor rules

Province allows licenced patios to become permanent

Jun 15, 2021 | 12:34 PM

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

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,” Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, said.

Temporary expanded service areas (TESAs) have allowed thousands of restaurants and pubs to serve more patrons while complying with health orders, particularly those related to physical distancing and indoor dining. To ensure existing and prospective TESAs can operate without interruption as they transition toward becoming a permanent part of B.C.’s hospitality landscape, the province is:

* extending the authorization of existing TESAs for an additional seven months, through to June 1, 2022; and

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* continuing to accept applications for new TESAs up to Oct. 31, 2021.

“We have seen the hospitality industry pivot and open patios as a way to continue to welcome their customers and operate safely during the pandemic,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “As we move forward with B.C.’s Restart, we remain committed to working with businesses to find innovative ways to help them thrive and grow.”

The changes will give businesses time to apply to make their current TESA authorizations permanent and prevent the risk of disrupting TESA use during the application process. As well, the changes provide local governments and Indigenous Nations more time to review eligible applications for permanent structural changes before TESA authorizations expire and to consider the implications of permanent approval for their communities.

“TESAs have been a make-or-break opportunity for so many operations struggling through these uncommon and difficult times,” said Ian Tostenson, President and CEO, BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association. “This timely announcement, and the certainty it will afford our members in the months and years ahead, are welcome news.”

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 (LCRB). To all licensees with current TESA authorizations and whose local governments have not raised concerns, LCRB will issue authorization letters extending the expiry date of their temporary authorization to June 1, 2022.

Without a new authorization letter, existing TESAs will expire Oct. 31, 2021.