Richmond is looking at allowing restaurants, cafes and pubs to keep their expanded patio service for another year.
In May, council voted to allow these businesses to expand into parking lots and, in one case, onto a sidewalk in Steveston, in order to allow more customers to be served while still adhering to physical distancing regulations.
City staff are also recommending allowing tents and heaters, so the outdoor spaces can be used in cooler weather as well.
Feedback on the expanded patio program from the businesses that took part indicated it was “critical” in helping them stay viable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Twelve businesses in Richmond applied to expand their patios, including Fuggles & Warlock, Lulu Island Winery and O’Hare’s Pub, representing 385 seats overall.
City staff are recommending council continue the patio program until Oct. 31, 2021.
Extending the patio program is on Monday’s council committee agenda.
