Restrictions to indoor dining across British Columbia are expected to be extended into May, according to an from the 小蓝视频 Restaurant and Foodservices Association (小蓝视频RFA).
Tuesday (April 13) afternoon the 小蓝视频RFA, Restaurants Canada and the Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE 小蓝视频) had a meeting with provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry in regards to the current provincial health order, which prohibits in-restaurant dining.
"Our conversation has indicated that the current PHO order restricting in-restaurant dining will be extended beyond April 19th through to May," explains a statement from the 小蓝视频RFA. "This is a result of the continued high number of daily cases and the Province's goal to have restrictions in place that avoid socialization and gathering indoors, for now."
The 小蓝视频RFA also mentions that they expressed frustration with inconsistency and confusion in regards to patios. As a result, the organization said they would be working closely with officials "on a patio guidelines document which will better outline the requirements for patios and provide clarity for [the] industry."
In public postings on Tuesday evening, ABLE 小蓝视频 indicated the ban on indoor dining would likely be "extended at least until after the May long weekend."
The new public health order amendments for restaurants at a live press conference on Monday, March 29.
The new restrictions do not affect restaurants from offering outdoor or patio dining or take-out and delivery services.
Last summer, cities like Vancouver fast-tracked applications for temporary outdoor dining spaces in order to help restaurants recoup some of the lost revenue from reduced indoor dining capacities and other pandemic-related financial woes.
With files from Lindsay William-Ross.
