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27th Edition • April 28, 2021
Guidance For Outdoor Dining Spaces
Based on the latest updated British Columbia Government's guidance document for Food & Liquor Serving Premises (dated April 21, 2021), the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and the BC Ministry of Health have recently released Guidance for Outdoor Dining Spaces for operators to assist in clarifying the requirements needed to define what an outdoor dining space is and to support operators as they create their spaces.

Patios and outdoor spaces must meet airflow, capacity and other requirements to reduce transmission risk to patrons and staff. Many patios currently operating will meet these guidelines however not all patios will be acceptable. You must be aware of the specific guidelines now required and verify that your space is in compliance. 
Capacity
There must be a minimum of 6 ft of space between the backs of chairs, between tables or a divider must be installed.
Walls &
Air Flow
For patios without a roof, consider having more than 25% of the wall space completely open to outside air.

For patios with a roof, consider having more than 50% of the wall space completely open to outside air.

Walls that are open on opposite facing ends help enhance the smooth flow-through of air into and out of the patio.

Try to avoid having closed intersecting walls (closed corners), which can prevent a smooth flow-through of air into and out of the patio.

Consider moving line-ups, waiting areas, pay stations and other areas of congregation away from areas that are completely open to outside air where air flows into or out of the patio. This can help to reduce the risk of COVID19 transmission from people in those congregation areas to people on the patio and from those on the patio to the people in those congregation areas.

A partial wall (e.g., pony wall) should be no higher than 1.2 m above the floor or ground to avoid impeding the air flow of seated patrons.
Dining Spaces identified as unacceptable
Spaces that do not meet the definition of a patio.

Indoor spaces, even if there is air circulation and ventilation.

Spaces protected from the elements (e.g., weather) to the point where they resemble indoor spaces.

Spaces that use dining bubbles, igloos, greenhouses, or tents with sides.

Examples of acceptable and unacceptable outdoor dining spaces are available inside the full guidance document.
Please download and review the complete Guidance for Outdoor Dining Spaces document to ensure your outdoor dining space meets the new guidance required.
Restrictions on Travel Between Regions of Province
The British Columbia Government has issued an order under the EPA Act that restricts non-essential travel between certain regions of the province which will remain in effect until May 25th at midnight. For more details on this order, please click here.

Your Association continues to monitor Government announcements, seek clarification, and provide updates. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Regional Director, British Columbia
Tel.: (778) 726-1200
515 Legget Drive, Suite 810 | Ottawa, ON | K2K 3G4