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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) Restaurants and breweries in Vancouver now have more freedom in opening up patio spaces in a bid to help the struggling industry amid pandemic.

Coun. Sarah Kirby-Yung says the restaurant industry has been hit hard during this pandemic and needs help.

I would hate to see us lose our restaurants. Those small businesses, theyre the heart and soul of our city. Its where we connect and socialize, she says.

After connecting with some local restaurants, Kirby-Yung says she learned some places just needed patio space in order to open again safely.

I talked to operators. I talked to one fella who has five restaurants, small ones in Vancouver. He says, Four of them, I can have an outdoor space, and that will enable me to open,' she says.

A motion passed unanimously Wednesday allowing restaurants and breweries to expand patio spaces.

Kirby-Yung says this will help some restaurants open, while still practicing physical distancing.

We know that our restaurants have high overhead costs. They still have high rent and costs of operating, and the numbers just dont work if they have to stay with their inside spaces. This could make or break the difference between a restaurant being able to survive or being able to re-open up at all, she explains.

The councillor also says it is somewhat of historic motion since Vancouver has never allowed craft breweries to have patios before because theyre located in industrial areas.

For the first time, you can go to somewhere that might of had a small tasting room, or if youre picking up some local Vancouver brews to go, you can actually sit outside to enjoy one, so thats huge, Kirby-Yung says.

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Restaurants, breweries able to expand patio seating in Vancouver - CityNews Vancouver

For one Toronto restaurant owner, a planby Mayor John Tory to allow restaurants to expand their patio space onto city sidewalks and streets may be the only hope to save her Little Italy business, after the battering it hastaken from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anita Mancuso, owner of Sotto Voce Wine and Pasta Bar at 595 College St.,thinks the city could close down a lane of trafficto create more space forrestaurants once they are permitted to open for more than takeout and delivery. Physical distancing to ensure safety of patrons and staff would be part of the plan.

With many restaurants and cafes along College Street, in particular, the plan makes sense, she told CBC Toronto on Wednesday. The plan might take away some parking, butwith fewer people driving their cars right now, parking is easier to find, she added.

At the very least, Mancuso said she would like to use some of the sidewalk.

"This week, I am struggling to figure out how we're going to keep the doors open. I honestly can't think of how we're going to keep going," said Mancuso, who runs the business with her husband.

"I'm not going down without a fight, so I'll take anything. I would love to open the patio. But it has to extend."

The restaurant has already laid off all of its staff "I can't bring them back" and has taken advantage of all government programs it can. Initially, it was traumatizing, then there was a month ofrepainting and fixing, but now, the longer it goes on, the harder it is, she said.

Under normal circumstances, Sotto Voce can fit 12 tables on its patio. The tables are normally four inches apart, "very New York style." She said the revenue she makes on the patio pays for the whole year.

Normally, the patio would have tables tight together, with fire pits for warmth on cooler nights and a fewcomfy couches. The patio can seat 24 people.

"Big groups that don't know each other are able to sit cozyall together around either of the fire pits," she said. "It's meant to be reallycomfortable, sitting with people you don't know.And you meet people you don't know. Everyone talks to everyone. That's the success of this place. It's the same inside."

But if the city eventually allows restaurants to open their patios with physical distancing guidelines in place, Mancusosaid she would likely be able to fit only about five tables on her patio at half capacity, even thoughthe patio is bigger than the restaurant.

"It just doesn't work.Five tables cannot support the rent in thiscity."

However, more patio space would mean more tables, and Mancuso said she really needs the city to allow her to expand her outdoor seating area. If tables were spaced six feet apart over a larger area, it might work.

"There's no reason why tables couldn't go the length of my restaurant here. I could probably get three or four tables in," she said while standing outside on the sidewalk.

"It definitely can't hurt. We would take it and embrace it because we don't have an alternative. And there aren't anyother new alternatives or initiatives coming. If they are going to allow us to do patios, we have to be able to do themthe best we can, with safety in mind, for staff, for our patrons."

At a daily news briefing on COVID-19 on Wednesday, Tory said he is considering the move.

The mayorhas asked city staff from Transportation Services to identify areas where restaurants could expand their patio space as part of his overall recovery plan.

"What I have asked the city staff to come forward with is areas of the city that would be appropriate to take up road space and sidewalk space. We have had some success on King Street obviously with the King Street pilot," Tory said.

The mayor said he hopes to have a list of locationssoon and he believes the expansion would be useful in the recovery period.

"I think not only could this provide us with a more enjoyable summer ...but I also believe that it could be a lifeline for some of our restaurantsand especially in light of the fact they will probablybe required to have tables both inside and outside that are spaced further apart," Tory said.

"I think we can sweep away some of the red tape and get this done as a way of making the city even more friendly for everybody but also for our hard-working friends in the restaurant business."

As for Sotto Voce Wine and Pasta Bar, it markeda milestone on May 1, its 20thyear in business. Mancuso said she has gone through all the "hills and valleys of everything" in two decades.

"For two years, I've been planning this huge street party, all our clients, 20 years, big white ball.It didn't exactly go that way," Mancuso said.

With COVID-19, not only is there no party, but there are also no customers allowed to dine inside. The restaurant offers takeout and a patron made a sign for the restaurant to advertise that fact.

It's not over yet, however, and Mancuso said she will wait to see what the mayor proposes.

"They have to do something, ornone of us are going to survive."

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Plan to allow eateries to expand patios could save many businesses, restaurateur says - CBC.ca

DENVER -- A group of Denver restaurant owners sent a letter to the mayor Friday seeking a rule change that will allow for more social distancing and more seating arrangements outside premises in order to protect public health during the coronavirus pandemic in our state.

The letter to the mayor comes as restaurants are finding out that following the rules set forth by the city and county of Denver after the stay-at-home order expired Friday night are not "one size fits all."

At Los Mesones on West Colfax Avenue, space is tight and carryout isn't carrying the load.

It's really, really hard because all the customers want to eat here, Los Mesones owner Hector Hugo said.

But down the road at Mezcal and Goosetown Tavern, they're not even open.

We kinda (sic) opted to shut down, clean, fix things up and get ready for when things open back up, Goosetown Tavern and Mezcal owners Chris Swank told Denver7.

But Swank fears if reopening will be enough to keep not only the patrons safe, but his staff as well.

West Colfax Business District Dan Shah says, "innovation of rules or relaxation of rules to allow them to take advantage of space" would be one way for businesses to continue thriving as we ride out the pandemic.

That means using sidewalks, parking lots, bagged meters and even blocked off streets to allow for greater social distancing at any given restaurant.

It would be a little bit more European in nature. A little more laid back, Swank said.

And rather than strictly barricaded patios, the owners hope for more flexibility on patio space.

"I think anybody that has patio space will help. People will be more comfortable on patios once this opens all back up, Swank said.

Its something the Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) hopes to do statewide.

"We've been working with Denver and other municipalities around the state to get the patio expansion programs up and running as soon as possible, so hopefully we'll see more information soon, CRA President Sonia Riggs said.

Which is something that means so much to these restaurants trying to keep up the fight in the midst of the pandemic.

I think it's huge. I think it could be make-or -break for a restaurant, Swank said.

We need more space to keep the restaurant working, Hugo added.

So they're hoping to step outside the box literally to save an industry Denver needs to survive.

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Front Range restaurants seek to expand patio limits as they reopen to protect people from COVID-19 - The Denver Channel

Chris Fox, CP24.com Published Wednesday, May 13, 2020 7:13AM EDT Last Updated Wednesday, May 13, 2020 6:19PM EDT

Expanded restaurant patios that would allow patrons to properly physical distance themselves could be a part of the citys reopening plans, Mayor John Tory says.

The province still hasnt indicated when restaurants and bars will be permitted to reopen but in an interview with CP24 on Wednesday morning Tory said that he has asked staff to provide him with a list of possible locations where patios could be expanded into the street in order to help struggling businesses that will need as much of a boost as possible once they can resume dining service.

Torys comments come as Hamilton city council gets set to debate a motion that calls on staff to work with BIAs and restaurant owners to identify locations that could be transformed into outdoor dining districts.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti also told CP24 on Tuesday that he is looking into enacting a temporary bylaw in his community that would eliminate a cap on the number of patio seats a restaurant can have, which is based on their indoor seating capacity.

I think not only could it provide us with a source of more enjoyment this summer after all we have been through this winter and spring but also I think that it could be a lifeline for some of the restaurants, especially in light of the fact that they will probably be required to have tables further apart inside and outside, Tory said of expanded patios.

So I have asked them (staff) to come back to me with some possible locations and I expect we will have some news on that fairly soon.

It remains unclear what regulations restaurants may have to face once they eventually reopen, though a number of U.S. states have slashed their capacities and made reservations mandatory.

Speaking with CP24, Tory said that the city has allowed restaurants to expand their patios into the street before, most notably as part of the King Street Transit Priority Corridor.

He said that he sees the effort as part of a wider plan to reimagine the way in which we are using public space in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I think we can sweep away some of the red tape and get this done as a way of making the city friendly for everybody but also our friends in the restaurant business, he said.

Restaurants across Ontario have been limited to take-out service only since March 24 under a provincial order.

Helping our restaurant industry survive and reopen is an important role the city government can play," Tory said.

New tool to help restaurants and food services

The city also announced on Wednesday that it is partnering with Toronto startup Ritual to launch an ordering tool that will provide businesses with an easy way to accept digital orders online and onsite.

Tory said the new service called Ritual One will help minimize the local impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local economy by supporting restaurants and food services.

This partnership with Ritual as part of our short-term economic support and recovery plan for Toronto, Tory said.

He said businesses that will sign up for Ritual One before June 1 will receive the service free for life and will not pay any commission or monthly subscription fees.

The shift to digital has been growing as we all know in recent years, but COVID-19 has accelerated this transition beyond what we possibly could have imagined, Tory said.

Businesses can sign up at https://ritual.co/partners.

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'It could be a lifeline:' City may allow some restaurants to expand patios once they are permitted to reopen - CP24 Toronto's Breaking News

This pop-up parklet sprang to life in the community of Marda Loop as a result of the work done by the local BIA. LIVEWIRE CALGARY FILE PHOTO

Restaurants and bars around Calgary will be able to open patio areas into public spaces to increase capacity in anticipation of Calgarys stage one coronavirus re-opening on May 14.

Councillors approved the proposal Monday during a Strategic Meeting of Council, where they reviewed an administration proposal on the openings of local restaurants and bars.

Documents released during council meeting outlined what local business can expect with opening patio spaces.

A temporary permission will be issued at no cost for temporary patios. Existing patios on public lands will not be charged for the 2020 season, the documents read.

Most Calgary restaurants and bars are available to re-open on May 14 with a temporary patio to accommodate social distancing and health regulations. Thats when the provinces Stage one relaunch begins.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi said even though restaurants can open, theyre to do so at 50 per cent capacity.

It might be hard to make some money, he said

And so this allows you to have more capacity, while adhering to physical distancing moving to outdoors, which might be a bit safer.

Calgary city roads representative John Bolger said that patios could be extending into the public parking and community spaces to better accommodate businesses with reduced space.

Business will apply for approval and we will determine whether or not they can extend into public right of way spaces, he said

Applicants are required to provide the number of tables and chairs they will be using and delineate how this space will be used.

Bolger added that business that require public space will need to outline how the they will protect public accessibility and satisfy Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (ALGC) requirements.

From then, applications will be submitted to AGLC for approval before any temporary patio can be established.

Bolger also commented that audio and televisions will not be allowed on temporary patio spaces.

Our existing rules, I believe dont allow for audio on patios, he said

Coun. Druh Farrell said parking should be there to service businesses, not the other way around.

If a local neighbourhood is dying, and the local shops are dying then there really isnt a lot of parking revenue anyway, she said

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City of Calgary will allow temporary patios in first stage of coronavirus relaunch - LiveWire Calgary

Image Credit: FILE PHOTO

May 13, 2020 - 3:01 PM

Kelowna is among the many cities across B.C. making plans to increase the outdoor footprint of its restaurants and pubs, as physical distancing becomes the summertime norm.

Mayor Colin Basran said earlier today, May 13, that it's too early, right now, to tell exactly how that will play out but they are looking at closing streets for some duration, allowing area restaurants to have some extra capacity.

This is something Ive been really passionate about and been having conversations about with our business organizations, Basran said.

Mark Burley with the Downtown Kelowna Association said the idea has been discussed for weeks and there have been ongoing meetings with the city working out whether restaurants and downtown businesses can spread into adjacent outdoor spaces or further onto the sidewalks.

There are so many logistics to work out, he said.

Next Tuesday is when some of the changes will become more apparent with downtown restaurants Kelly OBrians, the Train Station Pub and Doc Willoughbys expecting to open, he said. Retailers in the downtown will likely trail behind with opening dates due to questions about changerooms, and obtaining personal protection equipment

Everyone is operating on the best guess scenario We need answers from the government, he said.

Locally, already, there are more than 54 businesses participating in Kelowna's patio program, which is overseen by the citys Planning Department and is where applications have to be sent.

This program allows businesses located in the Downtown, South Pandosy and Rutland areas to apply for a sidewalk seating permit and is available to retail stores as well as restaurants and pubs.

Ian Tostenson, president of the B.C. Restaurant and Food Services Association, is hoping municipalities will help struggling restaurants that need immediate help getting back on their feet andexpanding into public spaceswould provide more room to serve customers safely.

Specifically, he said in a letter to mayors, the association is asking cities to increase flexibility for patio types and sizes, expedited permitting including applications and renewals, as well as the number of patios allowed.

They want the city to increase the space use of existing patios or picnic areas to allow chairs to be spread out to meet distancing requirements and are requesting that cities allow pop-up outdoor dining and manufacture sampling spaces.

They'd like the city to allow and increase the use of parks and public space for dining and any increase in patio, picnic area or outdoor space be considered a continuation of an establishments existing approved alcohol service, or manufactures sampling area to provide samples and not require additional endorsements or authorizations.

More than 70 per cent of BCs hotels are closed, according to the restaurant lobby group.

The tourism sector has laid off 70 per cent of all employees totalling over 130,000 workers and all 197 craft brewery tasting rooms in BC are closed, reducing average brewery revenues by over 80 per cent.

B.C.'s 366 licensed wine tasting rooms are closed, reducing average revenues by over 50 per cent.

More than 250,000 hospitality and tourism workers have already been laid off in BC since the start of this COVID crisis.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaelsor call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroomand be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.

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Outdoor spaces, patios to open in Kelowna; answers from government needed first - iNFOnews

Authorities say a woman found unresponsive outside of her home over the weekend died as a result of injuries sustained when she was attacked by her dog.

Fox Lake police were called to a home of a woman found unresponsive outside her home on May 9.

Upon arrival, police found 52-year-old Lisa Urso, of Ingleside, on the patio of her home.

Tuesday, officials revealed that a preliminary autopsy indicated she died as a result of injuries from a dog attack, according to the Lake County Coroner's Office.

Police believe it was her French Bulldog that attacked her inside the residence. Urso was able to exit the home, but ultimately succumbed to her injuries on the patio. Toxicology results are pending.

"The investigation into her death continues by our office and the Fox Lake Police Department, stated Dr. Howard Cooper, Lake County Coroner.

We have been in close contact with Ms. Ursos family and our deepest condolences go out to them during this difficult time. This is truly a tragedy, he added.

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Suburban Woman Found Unresponsive on Her Patio Was Killed by Her Dog: Autopsy - NBC Chicago

As restrictions for coronavirus loosen, more Dallas restaurants are reopening their doors.

The first batch opened as soon as they could on May 1, but others are slowly coming on board. All are observing COVID-19 precautions such as cleaning and sanitizing, social distancing practices with guests spaced 6 feet apart, and staff wearing masks and gloves.

Here is the latest round of reopenings:

Avanti Restaurant. New hours are Tuesday-Thursday and Sundays: from 5:30-9 pm, and Friday-Saturday 5:30-9:30 pm. Dinner menu and family size to-go menu are available for takeout order. Call 214 871 4955 for reservations.

Coolgreens. Both locations in Richardson, at 1251 State St. Ste. #850, and Southlake, at 2211 E. Southlake Blvd. Ste. #500, have reopened their dining rooms. Richardson is open Monday-Friday 10:30 am-3:30 pm, closed Saturday-Sunday. Southlake is open 10:30 am-3 pm daily until May 18, then 10:30 am-9 pm Monday-Saturday and 10:30-3 pm Sunday. They're open with a big list of provisos including employees temperature-checked daily, replacing their gloves and washing their hands every 15 minutes, and staying home for seven days if they're sick. Cutlery, condiments, and menus have been moved behind the counter, and floor markings specify social distancing. Cash payments are discouraged.

Edoko. Sushi restaurant at CityLine in Richardson has reopened.

Fernando's Mexican at CityLine in Richardson will reopen May 15.

Kai at Legacy West in Plano has reopened.

Knife at The Highland Dallas, now open for take-out, will begin dine-in on May 15, with limited seating and hours from ThursdaySaturday. Sunday-Wednesday will be open with a limited take-out menu only.

Maggiano's Little Italy. Two area locations have opened: 205 NorthPark Center, Dallas and 6001 W. Park Blvd. in Plano. Hours are Monday-Saturday 11 am-9 pm, and Sunday from 10:30 am-9 pm. Brunch will not be served for the time being. Make a reservation at maggianos.com or over the phone. If guests dont have a reservation or arrive early, they may be asked to wait outside. Restaurant have been sanitized, and social distancing wil be in place. Staff will be wearing masks and gloves, and guests are encouraged to wear masks into the restaurant as they are being seated. Curbside orders and delivery are still available.

Malibu Poke reopened their Oak Lawn dining room and patio with limited seating and extra safety precautions such as removing touch screen ordering, food served in to-go packaging, and diners throwing away their own trash to minimize employees' risk. McKinney & Olive location is temporarily closed. Curbside pickup and delivery via Doordash is still available at Oak Lawn.

Mi Dia From Scratch opened all three locations in Grapevine, Plano, and Flower Mound, with limited hours and menu in conjunction with the standards set by the CDC and the Texas Restaurant and National Restaurant Associations.

Ocean Prime will reopen for dine-in reservations on May 18. They're already doing carryout and curbside delivery, with a limited menu that includes family meals and meal kits.

Pie Five Pizzahas reopened with enhanced sanitation and safety processes for in-restaurant dining that include masks and gloves for staff, who must wash their hands at least every 30 minutes. To maintain social distancing, tables have been moved to reduce capacity. Floor decals have been added to maintain 6 feet distancing between guests going through the line. Drink stations are temporarily closed. Condiments are behind the counter, and dine-in orders are served in boxes, rather than on trays. Individually packaged sanitizer wipes will be provided with each order.

Ten50 BBQ has reopened their dining room and patio at 25 percent capacity with extra safety precautions in place including staff wearing masks and gloves, tables 6 feet apart, and an acrylic guard in front of the bbq pit.

Toulouse at Legacy West, in Plano has reopened.

Tricky Fish at CityLine in Richardson has reopened.

Originally posted here:
These are the latest Dallas restaurants to reopen with COVID-19 precautions - culturemap.com

Whether you like to lounge on the balcony or share a drink with your loved ones on the patio, a well-shaded area can make your outdoor experience so much more pleasant. Covering the verandah or the balcony will not only protect your space from the natural elements like heat and rain, but they will also give you privacy. Outdoor curtains can be hung in balconies and patios for aesthetic pleasure as well. Discover the varieties of outdoor curtains you can buy for your home: Probably the most common method to provide a shield from the sun, screens or blinds made from natural bamboo will give a tropical look to any outdoor setting and would provide shade from the bright sun during peak hours efficiently. This thick bamboo screen is sized at 48 inches x 84 inches and is equipped with a thick fabric and bamboo to provide protection from sun rays, dust, rain and even hailstorms. This bamboo screen also comes with a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer against mold development.'; var randomNumber = Math.random(); var isIndia = (window.geoinfo && window.geoinfo.CountryCode === 'IN') && (window.location.href.indexOf('outsideindia') === -1 ); //console.log(isIndia && randomNumber For people looking for a more aesthetic option, these sheer curtains in the shade of beige would be a great choice. These outdoor curtains are ideal for protection against sun as they provide upto eighty to eighty-five percent of sun-blockage. These summer curtains are designed and manufactured in full size and window size, and are ideal for balconies, patios, verandas or any other outdoor area in the house. The curtains also feature elastic strings at the bottom corners, to keep the curtain in shape in case of heavy winds or storms. This pair of waterproof curtains is made with 100% Polyester Yarn and PU coating for waterproofing and water repellency. This curtain is ideal for protection against sun, wind, rain and hail. Designed and manufactured for a full door and window size, these curtains are ideal for balconies, verandas, patios and any outdoor area that needs a shade. Fitted with elastic strings at the bottom corners, the curtains come accompanied with four hooks and nails for locking curtains. If you are looking for a smaller variety of the Bamboo curtain, this product would be perfect for it. This curtain comes threaded on wire and is attached to a wooden bar with 2 metal hanging hoops. This curtain will act as a perfect screen against the sun and would even prevent bugs and insects from entering the vicinity of your home. Crafted in bamboo, this curtain will also bring a natural element indoors and create a rustic vibe. Perfect for front porch, pergola, cabana, covered patio, gazebo, dock, beach home and other outdoor spaces, these curtains are waterproof and thermally insulated to impede 90% of the light. With its innovative triple-weave technology, the curtains can also lower outdoor noise up to 10%. The curtains are machine washable and can also be steamed from time to time to maintain their freshness.

DISCLAIMER: The Times of India's journalists were not involved in the production of this article.

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Outdoor curtains for balconies, verandahs and patios - Times of India

The weather in south Louisiana has been absolutely gorgeous for the most part this spring. That has inspired Red Stick residents to grab their bikes or take a walk around the city

And now that restaurants are allowed to open up their patios for patrons to sit for a bit and eat takeoutfollowing necessary health precautions, of coursethat gives us all yet another reason to enjoy the outdoors while the nice weather lasts.

Baton Rouge restaurants have begun advertising their patio space on social media, and weve updated ourmaster list of restaurants open for takeout and deliveryto include information on which ones are opening up that coveted outdoor space as well.

Check out some options weve been eyeing below for this weekend, and click here for the full list. As always, let us know if your favorite restaurant should be added to the list!

Yes, please, to grilled cheese and tomato basil soup washed down with a draft beer. Mid City Beer Gardens gorgeous outdoor space is open again, and word has spread quickly. Keep in mind tables are placed further apart for the time being and capacity is limitedmeaning you cant pack the Beer Garden like you used to just yet.

Umami Japanese Bistro is a favorite for its beautifully crafted sushi, Japanese fare and a green tea crpe cake that the225 team is famous for swooning over. Its patio makes a great spot for an evening of fresh sushi and dessert.

Sure, mom would love some flowers for Mothers Day. But Anthonys Italian Deli is betting shed appreciate some lasagna, too. The patio is open, too, so you can enjoy all those homemade Italian favorites outside.

Mom wants lasagna for Mothers Day! (Its this Sunday ) Call to reserve yours for your mom, she deserves the best! 225-272-6817

Posted by Anthony's Italian Deli onTuesday, May 5, 2020

The parking lot at Parrains Seafood Restaurant is usually popping on the weekends. While COVID-19 may have changed things temporarily, you can still get Parrains enormous seafood platters and poboys for curbside pickup, or take your to-go boxes to the patio to get out of the house for the night.

This new-ish smoke house near Airline Highway and Greenwell Springs Road provides brisket, burgers, smoked chicken and more. And if you need a break from all the meat, the restaurant serves up fruit smoothies, too. And what better way to get your barbecue fix than at a picnic table, right?

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Check out these Baton Rouge restaurants for patio seating this weekend - 225 Baton Rouge