A bylaw that would limit restaurants’ abilities to open “temporary” patios has been written for Bancroft council to review.
It’s designed to address those that want to open patios that would serve alcohol.
The bylaw states it would not inhibit business owners from operating temporary patios where liquor won’t be served.
It also says it won’t stand in the way of restaurants applying to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for permanent patios.
The bylaw is up for first, second and third reading at Bancroft council’s March 14 meeting. That means, if it’s approved, it will be signed into law.
It’s included in the agenda package for the council meeting and can be seen online.
At their last meeting, coucilllors heard that Ontario loosened rules around temporary patios earlier in the pandemic, so restaurants can open them quickly to stay afloat. But, those rules are no longer practical.