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By Pete McIntyre-Vernon Matters

MORE RED TAPE

Liberals accuse B.C. government of ‘axing’ temporary patios

Mar 8, 2022 | 6:59 AM

VERNON — The B.C. Liberals are accusing the NDP government of shutting down temporary patio permits by introducing more red tape and fees.

Todd Stone, the opposition’s critic for Jobs, Economic Recovery, Trade and Innovation, said it makes no sense.

“The restaurant and hospitality sector has taken many hits over the pandemic, but the expansion of street patios and outdoor dining was a lifeline to restaurants and bars that was also widely embraced by the public,” said Stone, the MLA for Kamloops South Thompson. “Now, instead of making the patios permanent, the NDP wants to axe them right before the busy summer season. What is John Horgan thinking?”

The Liberals say more than 2,000 establishments were approved for patio space during the pandemic but these Temporary Expanded Service Area (TESA) authorizations, which were free and easy to apply for online, will expire on June 1, 2022.

Stone said restaurants will now have to apply and pay a non-refundable $400 fee, submit floor plans, comply with local government bylaws and guidelines, and wait up to 10 months for their application to be approved.

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“In Vancouver, it’s going to cost up to $5,000 for businesses to go through a 34-page guide, hire a structural engineer, obtain architectural drawings and jump through a bunch of other hoops just to retain a patio setup as small as six square metres,” said Stone. “Only the NDP would force pandemic-weary businesses to endure more stress and find more money they simply don’t have, just to keep doing what they’ve been doing safely and smoothly through most of the pandemic.”

Stone is calling on the Horgan government to apply some common sense and make it easier for businesses to operate, not harder — and let everyone continue to enjoy patio season as planned.

Vernon Matters has reached out to the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery, Trade and Innovation for comment and clarification on any changes to the rules around temporary patios.