BC's Phase 2 begins with restaurants reopening under enhanced safety protocols

As the City of Vancouver rescinds its shutdown order on restaurants, businesses work to reopen under strict guidelines.

May 20, 2020 - EightSix Staff

The City of Vancouver has lifted its ban on table service at restaurants as well as eased restrictions on the number of customers in a given space. The city is also accepting applications on new and expanded patios to promote the use of outdoor spaces.

Restaurants are now permitted to reopen with no more than 50% of their usual capacity, tables are restricted to a maximum of six guests, and two meters of space must exist between guests of different parties at tables and at the bar.

Further WorkSafeBC guidelines include using disposable or no-touch menus, removing tabletop items, limiting interactions between servers and guests, and reducing the use of cash as payment.

A number of restaurants in Metro Vancouver opened on May 19th and many more are planning a June 1st restart. Unfortunately, many restaurants have closed permanently due to COVID-19.