More than 2,000 temporary patios authorized to serve liquor in British Columbia during the COVID-19 pandemic can be made permanent under amended provincial regulations. To ensure existing temporary patio spaces can operate without interruption as they transition to permanent status, the province has promised to extend their authorization through to June 1, 2022. The changes also provide local governments and First Nations more time to review eligible applications for permanent structural changes before temporary authorizations expire, and to consider the implications of permanent approval for their communities, the province said. Local governments and First Nations will have until July 30 to raise concerns about existing authorizations in their jurisdiction. Without a new authorization letter, existing temporary authorizations will expire Oct. 31, according to the statement.

Source: CBC News June 15, 2021 20:20 UTC