Richmond councillors have voted to extend the city’s temporary outdoor patio program until next year.
Councillors voted at this week's general purposes committee meeting to extend the program until June 1, 2022.
As of August 2021, 64 temporary outdoor patio permits have been issued. Six of these are on public property.
The June 1 date was chosen as it is in line with the province, which has extended its temporary expanded service area legislation, under the Liquor Control and Licensing Regulation, until that date.
The provincial program was also extended to give businesses time to pursue permanent patio expansions through existing municipal processes and corresponding changes to their liquor licenses.
However, while businesses with temporary patios in Richmond can apply for a permanent expansion through existing processes, there isn’t any mechanism in place for those with temporary patios on public property.
As a result, Richmond will also look at steps to develop a permanent patio program on public property.
The temporary outdoor patio program extension will next go to city council on Tuesday for final approval.
