Ontario will allow restaurants to extend outdoor patios to fight COVID-19

The Ontario government will allow licensed restaurants and bars to temporarily extend outdoor patio spaces to safely accommodate guests and staff. The normal application process for adding or extending a patio will be waived for license holders. This change will go into affect once they are permitted to fully reopen for business.

In a news release, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) says that as a result of a regulation change, licensed establishments may create a patio adjacent to their premise or increase the size of their patio. They say this will allow the public to safely enjoy service that meets social distancing requirements and other public health guidelines.

“During this difficult period, we are constantly looking for ways to be flexible with the hospitality sector, so when the time is right, they can open with the confidence that they will be able to keep customers and staff safe,” said Jean Major, Registrar and CEO of AGCO in the release. “By extending outdoor patio spaces, we hope it will help our licensed establishments get back on their feet more quickly.”

While the AGCO will not require licensees to apply or pay a fee for these temporary extensions, licensed establishments must ensure they have municipal approval and meet all other applicable requirements.

Tied houses

The province is also providing flexibility to Ontario liquor manufacturers regarding the location of “tied houses”. These are the restaurants and bars attached to wineries, breweries and distilleries.

Previously, the Ontario government required both the restaurant and manufacturing parts of the establishments to be in one building. However, effective immediately, these tied houses are no longer required to be attached. Companies can build their restaurant anywhere as long as it is on the same property address.

All measures will be in effect until January 1, 2021 at 3:00 a.m.