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City issues 14 temporary expedited patio permits and expands program for breweries

June 4 2020 –

We have issued 14 temporary expedited patio permits since the launch of the program on Monday to help businesses impacted by COVID-19. These permits will allow restaurants and liquor serving establishments to take advantage of the improving weather and expand their indoor seating out onto public street, parking, and sidewalk space in front or next to their business.

Since launching the Temporary Expedited Patio Program on Monday, June 1, we have received 46 applications.

As part of our efforts to expand the program and support more businesses, breweries with a manufacturing licence are now eligible to apply for a temporary expedited patio permit.

Patios on private property

City staff continue their work to expand the program to permit temporary patios on private property. Three of the patio submissions received are for private property patios, and City staff are working with these applicants on interim options. Staff are also developing further recommendations for consideration by Council that will include by-laws changes to accommodate temporary patios on private property.

In the meantime, businesses may submit proposals for these patios to the City, in addition to applications for temporary expedited patios on public property.

How we are speeding up the process

To speed up the application process, we have provided template patio drawings for businesses to use in their online application, and a team of dedicated staff are reviewing applications as they come in.

Quick facts

Between now and October 31, 2020, businesses can apply online for their temporary small, large, curbside, or private patio permit
Applicants who meet the mandatory requirements for public patios can expect to receive their permit within two business days of submitting their completed application
There is no application or permit fee
Businesses intending to serve alcohol on their patio must also meet Provincial liquor licensing requirements and obtain provincial approval for a temporary service area expansion

Ongoing business support

In an effort to assist the business community, we have established the COVID-19 Business Communications and Support Office.

The office is a single point of contact for Vancouver's local business owners to get information from the City of Vancouver regarding business support programs, to learn what City-run business services are currently available, and to make suggestions to us concerning business and the economy.

Local businesses seeking help can connect with the office by:

Emailing COVIDResponseforBusiness@vancouver.ca
Visiting the webpage
Calling 3-1-1

Background

On March 19, Council passed a by-law that allowed the City of Vancouver to issue emergency orders to help curb the spread of COVID-19
On March 20, 2020, we issued an order restricting restaurants from offering table service and limiting the number of customers in any place to no more than 10 people - only takeout or delivery were allowed
On May 12, Council directed City staff to work on a new, faster online application process to provide increased flexibility for restaurants to provide service outdoors
On May 19, the we rescinded the emergency order to shut down restaurant table service
On June 1, the we launched the temporary expedited patio program