Expanding or establishing a dining patio in Vaughan?

July 13, 2020 10:00 a.m.

COVID-19 Updates

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There’s an easy online application process for restaurant and banquet hall owners


As businesses continue to reopen in Vaughan, restaurants and banquet halls are welcoming customers back to their patios. Establishments looking to create a patio or expand their current patio to accommodate physical distancing requirements must apply for a permit. 

Businesses can begin the process to do this by completing an application form (PDF) and emailing it to bylaw.licensing@vaughan.ca. Only licensed eating establishments and banquet halls are eligible to receive an approval to operate a temporary outdoor patio, otherwise not permitted.  

Upon completion of the application, the applicant must confirm the establishment meets all the requirements to set up a temporary outdoor patio. A business licence with an endorsement for a temporary outdoor patio will be issued within two business days; however, applicants may set up the patio once they submit their application. 

If an establishment is operating with outdoor dining but is not expanding the outdoor patio, appropriate measures, as per provincial and regional guidelines to ensure physical distancing of at least two metres between patrons, must be taken. Measures include: 

 

  • taking reservations.
  • limiting the number of patrons allowed in the outdoor space at one time.
  • ensuring enough space between tables to allow for movement.
  • ensuring access to facilities is limited to patio/outdoor dining area, food pickup, payment, washrooms or other health and safety purposes. 

 

Inquiries can be directed to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or by email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. 

On June 19, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua issued the first directive under the City’s Emergency Measures By-law to allow local eating establishments and banquet halls to temporarily expand or establish additional patios, while maintaining physical distancing. This marked just one initiative in a series of measures championed by Vaughan City Council to support the business community during the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

Throughout the pandemic, stay up to date with the latest response efforts by frequently checking vaughan.ca/COVID19. Citizens are also encouraged to sign up for the City’s eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for news as it is released.   

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