With the pandemic not yet out of sight, Victoria91裸聊视频檚 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 she91裸聊视频檚 credited the province for answering the call and extending the allowance of pandemic patios at restaurants, cafes and bars across the province.

The province91裸聊视频檚 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.

91裸聊视频淔or businesses, it91裸聊视频檒l mean that they can focus on serving their customers rather than filling out paperwork,91裸聊视频� 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 wouldn91裸聊视频檛 be able to serve liquor on their temporary patios past the June end date.

91裸聊视频淭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,91裸聊视频� Helps said. 91裸聊视频淭hat91裸聊视频檚 what we were pushing for, just to give everyone a bit more time.91裸聊视频�

B.C.91裸聊视频檚 public safety minister echoed the capital city mayor91裸聊视频檚 comments, saying the extension eliminates the risk of disrupting patio service during the busy summer season 91裸聊视频� set to be the first in years without a host of health measures in place.

91裸聊视频淪ome local governments needed additional time to make the needed policy changes and assess applications for permanent structural changes in their communities,91裸聊视频� 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 province91裸聊视频檚 local business support amid the now two-year-plus pandemic.

91裸聊视频淓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,91裸聊视频� Helps said.

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

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