B.C. businesses with temporary patios for World Cup can apply for extension

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Businesses that has temporary outdoor patios approved for FIFA World Cup can now apply to keep them open until Labour Day, the government announced Monday (July 6).

Eligible businesses with approved FIFA World Cup related outdoor temporary extensions will be able to apply to extend those approvals through to Sept. 6.

The release adds that this move will help businesses “build on the momentum generated by the tournament, while providing British Columbians and visitors with more outdoor dining and gathering opportunities.”

The government says it will include a range of benefits, including: supporting restaurants, pubs and other hospitality businesses during the peak summer tourism season; helping businesses maintain revenue and staffing levels following World Cup; creating more opportunities for outdoor dining and social gatherings; enhancing the visitor experience throughout B.C.; and supporting local tourism and economic activity.

Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham said B.C.’s hospitality sector has “stepped up in a big way” during World Cup, “creating vibrant spaces for people to celebrate together while giving a huge boost to local businesses.”

The Agriculture and Food Ministry said the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch will be working with local governments to ensure extensions are done as quickly as possible.

The announcement comes a few days after Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said city council approved extending the Granville Street pedestrian zone and temporary patios through to Labour Day.

“Granville Street has been full of energy, local businesses are seeing more customers, and residents and visitors have told us loud and clear they want this momentum to continue,” Sim said.

“Extending the pilot through the summer gives businesses the certainty they need, supports our local economy, and allows us to gather even more data as we continue delivering on the long-term vision for Granville Street.”