Proposed patio by-law would up insurance costs for business owners

The Carleton on Argyle Street in downtown Halifax

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A proposed city by-law up for debate Tuesday afternoon could change the rules for patios in front of bars.

City staff are recommending bars get $5-million in liability insurance up from $2-million for the patios, matching the insurance needed for large city events outdoors. Also changing is the fee structure for patios which will go from a hazy square-footage-based system to an $800 flat rate, and the date when bars can set up patios moving two weeks from April 1 to April 15.

Mike Campbell, owner of the Carleton Music Bar and Grill on Argyle St said city staff are out of touch with the business community in Halifax.

The bureaucracy in the city has no clue does not understand the business conditions that were dealing with, he said. They probably dont even bother to go out.

Campbell said $5-million in liability is far more than necessary, will cost him thousands more in insurance fees every year, and likely up his deductible. The $2-million that every bar has now is more than enough, he said, and the city is just trying to cover itself.

Its just more money coming out of our pockets, and we dont have any as it is, he said.

One part of the by-law does give him some hope though. Campbell said he and other bar owners in Halifax could save money by leaving their patios up year-round.

The new by-law proposes council approve bars to have their patios out all year on a case-by-case basis.

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Proposed patio by-law would up insurance costs for business owners