Just a week after a motion came to council to allow expanded patio spaces for cafes, pubs and restaurants, the city is already working with some food establishments to allow them more room to ensure physical distancing.
An expedited process will be in place to allow these patios to expand temporarily until the end of September.
Meanwhile, the provincial government has loosened up its liquor licensing process, allowing businesses to expand their “service area footprint” until Oct. 31.
The restaurant industry has been largely shut down with no dine-in service allowed for several months as the province has grappled with preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Last week, these restrictions were eased, but restaurants still need to keep their tables six feet apart and can only allow up to six people in one grouping.
The temporary patio use in Richmond will allow these food and drink establishments to expand onto sidewalks and roads.
