Guidelines, templates, and other resources to help restaurants, cafes, and pubs in B.C. develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan and re-open safely during Phase 2 of the BC Restart Plan.
On May 19th, BC’s Provincial Health Officer lifted the temporary order on in-person dining and drinks service, providing businesses can follow guidelines on social distancing and reduced capacity.
June 11th Update: A new set of guidelines has been released governing capacity levels in the food and drink services sector.
Instead of all establishments operating at 50 per cent capacity, owners and operators will now be required to identify a number for their capacity that allows for social distancing to be maintained, while also accounting for patios. Other notable points include:
- Establishments must state total amount of patrons that can be seated (two metres apart) except for the same party
- Max party sizes are maintained at six individuals
- Applies to all license holders – food primary, bar etc.
- Does not apply to hospitals, care facilities and other settings with a cafeteria
WorkSafeBC Guidelines for Re-opening
WorkSafeBC published Restaurants, cafés, and pubs: Protocols for returning to operation to help food and drink businesses develop a Safety Plan and re-open safely. The guidelines cover various levels of protection you may need to develop measures for. Key protocols include:
- Places where meals and drinks, including drinks containing liquor, are prepared and served can only accommodate a total amount of patrons that can be safely seated while maintaining social distancing. This must also include any patio space.
- Tables should be restricted to parties of up to six people
- There should be 2m between patrons sitting at different tables, and between people from different parties sitting at a bar or counter
Related WorkSafeBC guidelines if your workplace includes other environments:
View Restaurants, cafés, and pubs: Protocols for returning to operation
Please Note: In addition to these guidelines for workers, to help protect your customers you should also refer to guidance from the Provincial Health Officer, the appropriate health authority, and industry associations such as the British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association.
Temporary Expedited Patio Program (TEPP)
From June 1st to October 31st, 2020, Vancouver businesses can set up free temporary patios in front of or beside their business in an on-street parking space or on the sidewalk.
There are three types of temporary expedited patio permits:
- Small sidewalk patio
- Large sidewalk patio
- Curbside patio
Review the 5-step expedited process and apply
Industry Guidelines
British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association
With guidance from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, the British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association gathered several industry experts to build a set of best practices for the re-opening of in-restaurant dining.
The document focuses on several key areas restaurants will need to familiarize themselves with before planning to reopen. These include:
- Staff Health and Safety
- Heightened Cleaning and Sanitation
- Physical Distancing Measures
- Guest Education
- Training
- Next Steps
- Proposed Start-up Checklist
View the BCRFA Blueprint for Reopening In-Restaurant Dining
View Zoom Recording with Q&As from Restaurant Industry Representatives
Restaurants Canada COVID-19 Resource Page
As the foodservice industry moves to the recovery and reopening phase, Restaurants Canada has put together a comprehensive resource list to help businesses make their plan. Resources include:
Blacksheep Restaurants COVID-19 Handbook
Hong Kong restaurant group Blacksheep Restaurants created a COVID-19 processes and protocols handbook. After it was widely shared within the industry, the group made it freely available to anyone looking for a template to help them create their own safe reopening guide.
Download the Blacksheep Restaurants COVID-19 Handbook
