The City of Delta’s new patio policy could become permanent.
In a further effort to help struggling bars and restaurants, Coun. Dylan Kruger will introduce a motion at the next regular meeting of council on Sept. 14 to extend the expanded patio program indefinitely, and further direct staff to authorize the winterization of patios on city property through the use of tents, louvered roofs, and heaters.
Kruger’s motion notes social distancing requirements due to COVID-19 significantly reduced the number of patrons allowed to be safely seated in a given area but Delta’s summer expanded patio program has given local restaurants and cafes the ability to seat additional tables and stay open throughout the pandemic.
However, the loss of that additional patio space this fall may result in the temporary or permanent closure of many longtime local businesses, he said.
City manager Sean McGill said the new patio policy was well received.
“On a personal note, I very much enjoy them and it has been a great way to support local business. I am not aware of any compliance issues and again the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. With respect to continuation of the program, staff are preparing a report for council on this,” McGill said.
A recent staff report to city council notes, “As the business community moves through the restart phase, it is evident that small businesses in Delta continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many small business owners continue to struggle to achieve sales targets and are having a hard time bringing staff back to work. Restaurant and cafe owners are particularly concerned about what business will look like once outdoor patio spaces close at the end of the summer season.”
Restaurants Canada last week released a new report, The 2020 Foodservice Facts Report, which notes that, due to the pandemic, the restaurant industry could lose between $21.7 billion and $44.8 billion in annual sales this year.
“The range in the forecast reflects tremendous uncertainty as the industry heads into fall and winter,” said Chris Elliott, senior economist at Restaurants Canada.
“Restaurants are likely to see a further erosion in sales in the coming months with patio season ending and possible consumer trepidation about indoor dining. A second wave of confirmed COVID-19 cases would potentially lead to sharply lower sales,” he said.
