With the pandemic not yet out of sight, VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 mayor says some people might have concerns about entering a crowded restaurant as the province drops its proof-of-vaccination system, but will still want to gather with friends and family.

That why sheB次元官网网址檚 credited the province for answering the call and extending the allowance of pandemic patios at restaurants, cafes and bars across the province.

The provinceB次元官网网址檚 temporary expanded service areas (TESA) program was set to expire on June 1, but on Thursday, B.C. extended the program until March 31, 2023, for businesses with existing authorizations.

B次元官网网址淔or businesses, itB次元官网网址檒l mean that they can focus on serving their customers rather than filling out paperwork,B次元官网网址� Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said in an interview.

The province said the extension will provide time for local authorities to update their patio policies and for licensees to apply to make areas permanent. Victoria council called for the move last month as it was concerned businesses wouldnB次元官网网址檛 be able to serve liquor on their temporary patios past the June end date.

B次元官网网址淭his extension will give everyone time to pursue permanent patios and the permanent expansion of licensed areas in an orderly way without feeling the crunch,B次元官网网址� Helps said. B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 what we were pushing for, just to give everyone a bit more time.B次元官网网址�

B.C.B次元官网网址檚 public safety minister echoed the capital city mayorB次元官网网址檚 comments, saying the extension eliminates the risk of disrupting patio service during the busy summer season B次元官网网址� set to be the first in years without a host of health measures in place.

B次元官网网址淪ome local governments needed additional time to make the needed policy changes and assess applications for permanent structural changes in their communities,B次元官网网址� said Mike Farnworth

Expanded service areas looking to stick around for good still need to meet local bylaws, so the province is encouraging businesses to submit applications as soon as possible.

Victoria businesses will have to work with city staff if they want to keep their pandemic-risen structures, the mayor said, noting how some will have to be reigned in as certain set-ups look more like outdoor restaurants than patios. She applauded the provinceB次元官网网址檚 local business support amid the now two-year-plus pandemic.

B次元官网网址淓veryone is going to ease out of the pandemic at their own pace and this gives more space for people to do so but not be cut out of a social setting,B次元官网网址� Helps said.

Businesses wishing to make their current TESA permanent must apply through the .

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