City announces extra hour of late-night patio time for bars, restaurants

Vancouver restaurants and bars with patios can apply to keep their outdoor space open an extra hour to 1 a.m. this summer, but they will have to keep the noise down.

If there are any (noise) complaints, we have the right to revoke the permission at any time, said city of Vancouver spokesman Tobin Postma in an interview Friday.

In a news release, the city said that the additional hour builds on the success of last years patio pilot program that resulted in 115 businesses keeping their patios open one hour later than usual.

Last years Patio Hours Extension Program allowed bars and restaurants to keep their patios open the extra hour from 11 p.m. to midnight daily. This years program extends it an additional hour to 1 a.m.

Postma noted that the city did not receive any noise complaints during last summers pilot program.

As locals know, and visitors fast come to appreciate, Vancouver summers are amazing, said Mayor Gregor Robertson in a statement. Im pleased we can work together with our hospitality businesses to provide a fun, vibrant experience to patrons even later this year. This pilot will help us ensure we are creating lively streetscapes that contribute to our economy while considering impacts to surrounding neighbours.

The city said the longer patio hours will run from April 1 to Oct. 31, with both small and large patios eligible to apply.

Its estimated that 298 active large patios and 301 active small patios are eligible for the extension and businesses can apply online. Businesses are required to have up-to-date insurance, all fees paid in full and no patio noise-related complaints on file in the last 12 months.

bmorton@vancouversun.com

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City announces extra hour of late-night patio time for bars, restaurants