Restaurant patios in Toronto are reeling from a recent enforcement blitz from public health officials.
What started out as a complaint about a blocked fire hydrant back in December turned into a myriad of inspections, notices to comply and notices of violation, co-owner of Cafe Diplomatico, Rocco Mastrangelo Jr. told the Star.
We were using our patio as a way to keep ourselves viable, open, paying our bills, and not laying off staff, he said.
On Jan. 14, Mastrangelo said he was given three different violations or orders to comply. One for the fire hydrant being obstructed, one for not having two sides of their patio open and a third for issues with their gas heaters, which were later fixed, according to Mastrangelo.
After a meeting on Thursday, the Cafe Diplomatico shut down its patio until it is able to fully reopen.
The health department, they want two sides (of the patio) open. Or if you have a retractable roof you have to have the roof open and one side open. Its minus 20 outside so basically its useless, said Mastrangelo.
He said the latest installation of heaters on their patio cost $80,000, which are now out of use due to the closure. The entire patio structure, he said, cost the restaurant over $200,000.
Mr. Ford, he says that were in it together. Were not in this together. Its only certain industries that had to take the brunt of this lockdown and restrictions. It seems like for whatever reason its always in the hospitality industry, he said.
St. Clair Wests Atomic10 is another restaurant among those affected. Earlier this month, the iconic Latin American restaurant was classified as being too enclosed by public health officials, co-owner Anna Canzona told the Star.
The officials asked the owners to either close the patio, or take down two full sides, which include Plexiglas panels as well as wooden barriers, according to Canzona.
We offered to remove the Plexiglas, but those wooden barriers are structurally integral to the patio, so they decided to shutter, Canzona said.
The official rules, according to the Reopening Ontario Act, are as follows:
If an outdoor dining area is covered, at least two sides of the area must be open to the outdoors and must not be substantially blocked by any walls or other impermeable physical barriers. And if it has a retractable roof, when its retracted, at least one side of the area must open to the outdoors and not be blocked.
But Canzona said they were not aware of the two-sides-fully open rule.
When they closed indoor dining, they said that patios would be allowed to operate. So we did continue to operate, not knowing that there were guidelines, Canzona said.
In response to questions by the Star, Toronto Public Health reiterated the outdoor dining rules outlined in the Reopening Ontario Act.
The City continues to work with businesses to educate them, help them understand the regulations and be in the compliance, said an emailed statement sent Sunday.
Staff from Toronto Public Health continue to respond to complaints and conduct inspections to ensure businesses are following the requirements under the ROA, including the patio requirements.
Matt Park, co-owner of Burdock Brewery, said that his restaurant was also visited by public health officials. Similar to Canzona, Park was told that lifting their rollable walls was not enough, and that their fences must also be removed.
Its a waist height fence, and that apparently isnt considered completely open even though the walls are completely up. Theres air blowing through and its still freezing, Park said.
The regulations say the two openings must not be substantially blocked by any walls or other impermeable physical barriers.
If you look at the definition of permeable, permeable is that gases and liquids could pass through it. Our fence has holes in it. Its not like a sealed airtight barrier.
Despite this, Burdock Brewery says it was given a letter from public health ordering them to comply, or they could risk fines.
Park said they have been in contact with their city councillor and public health, but it has been difficult to get clear answers on how they can keep the restaurant open to keep their staff employed and pay their bills.
By no means are we wanting to contravene public bylaws. We just want to know what they are, said Park.
This comes as the food and beverage industry in the province has already been through the mill in recent weeks, due to COVID-19 restrictions throttling capacities at eateries.
Although restrictions are set to ease on Jan. 31, restaurants are still uncertain about their future. Canzona is taking contingency steps, by getting two food trucks up and going.
We just dont know whats going to happen next. So were trying to prepare ourselves in case there is another lockdown, Canzona said.
Hopefully nothing changes from now until then.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be registered Torstar account holder. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free)
Sign In
Register
- Reese Witherspoon's patio furniture collection is inspired by Southern hospitality and charm upgrade your summer gatherings starting at $150 - Yahoo... - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Seven local outdoor bars and restaurants to check out as the weather gets warmer - Oklahoman.com - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Theres Never Been a Better Time to Shop Wayfairs Outdoor Storefront While Top-Rated Pieces Start at $22 - PEOPLE - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- This Unexpected Thrift Store Find Will Totally Transform Your Patio This Spring (Its So Simple!) - Apartment Therapy - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- How you can upgrade your patio with budget-friendly solutions this spring - WCPO 9 Cincinnati - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Move over Galloway: Mullys Pub and Patio opens in Springfield - Springfield Daily Citizen - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Macys Has a $459 Patio Umbrella on Sale for Only $35, and Hundreds of Shoppers Are Eyeing This Deal - Yahoo Life - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Walmart is selling a 'cute' $369 sectional patio set for only $195 that shoppers say is 'great quality' - TheStreet - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Complement your patio with Govees Smart Outdoor String Lights 2 while theyre at $100 (Reg. $170) - 9to5Toys - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- The 21 Best Patios & Backyards In Houston - Houston - The Infatuation - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Patio Umbrella Market Expected to Reach US$ 2.16 Bn by 2030 - Persistence Market Research - openPR - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Walmart Is Selling a $500 5-Piece Sectional Patio Set for Just $195, and It's 'Perfect' for Outdoor Comfort - Men's Journal - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Moss will disappear from patios by spraying 1 drink that works 'just as well' as chemicals - Express - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- I Upgraded My Patio for Less Than $200 with This Sturdy Outdoor Loveseat from Wayfair - PEOPLE - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- Your Future Summer Self Will Thank You for Shopping Targets Rare Early Spring Outdoor SaleFrom $12 - Real Simple - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- S'mores on the Patio - Insight News - March 9th, 2025 [March 9th, 2025]
- 8 Retro Patio Finds Thatll Make Your Backyard Feel Like Grandmas HouseAll On Sale - Southern Living - February 16th, 2025 [February 16th, 2025]
- Target is offering insane deals on patio furniture and more for Valentines Day 2025 - AL.com - February 16th, 2025 [February 16th, 2025]
- Walmart Is Selling a 'Fantastic' $720 Patio Furniture Set for Only $218, and Shoppers Say It's 'Very Comfortable' - Men's Journal - February 16th, 2025 [February 16th, 2025]
- I Have a Porch, Patio, and Pool, so Im Shopping These Amazon Presidents Day Deals on Outdoor Furniture - Better Homes & Gardens - February 16th, 2025 [February 16th, 2025]
- Walmart's Presidents' Day Sale Is Packed with Patio Furniture and Decor, Up to 76% Off - Better Homes & Gardens - February 16th, 2025 [February 16th, 2025]
- How to remove algae from a patio expert tips to banish the mossy substance for good - Ideal Home - February 16th, 2025 [February 16th, 2025]
- Where To Buy The Best Outdoor Sectional Couches - House Digest - February 16th, 2025 [February 16th, 2025]
- Patio Weather Is On Its Way Host an Outdoor Party at these Valley Eateries - Arizona Foothills Magazine - January 31st, 2025 [January 31st, 2025]
- 12 Patio Furniture and Decor Deals That Are Bound to Sell Out Before SpringFrom $5 - Real Simple - January 31st, 2025 [January 31st, 2025]
- Shop Our BHG x Walmart Patio Furniture and Decor Before It Sells Out for Spring from $15 - Better Homes & Gardens - January 31st, 2025 [January 31st, 2025]
- Column: Wrigley Field bleachers addition offers a backyard patio with an intimate vibe. Will fans buy in? - NewsBreak - January 31st, 2025 [January 31st, 2025]
- Walmart is selling a $2,000 5-piece patio set for only $800, and shoppers 'adore' it - TheStreet - January 31st, 2025 [January 31st, 2025]
- Homeowner frustrated by landscaper's avoidable mistake after heavy rain: 'I just can't see harming my customers like that' - The Cool Down - January 31st, 2025 [January 31st, 2025]
- Flash deal: This patio heater usually sells for $259.99, now just $68 for a limited time - PennLive - January 31st, 2025 [January 31st, 2025]
- Patio moss that grows everywhere is easily removed with 29p household item - Express - January 31st, 2025 [January 31st, 2025]
- How I took my patio to the next level (Concrete patio with LED) - MSN - January 31st, 2025 [January 31st, 2025]
- Remove patio moss in 15 minutes and stop it coming back with 1 magic household item - Express - January 31st, 2025 [January 31st, 2025]
- Cleaner that leaves patio 'looking like new' now almost half price on Amazon - Wales Online - January 31st, 2025 [January 31st, 2025]
- Concrete patio and backyard makeover - MSN - January 31st, 2025 [January 31st, 2025]
- Walmart is selling a 'comfortable and stylish' $500 patio set for only $180, and shoppers 'love it' - TheStreet - January 31st, 2025 [January 31st, 2025]
- The Best Restaurant Patios In Oakland - The Infatuation - January 21st, 2025 [January 21st, 2025]
- America is obsessed with patio heaters - Business Insider - January 21st, 2025 [January 21st, 2025]
- 10 Cincinnati bars with heated patios (or igloos) for outdoor drinking this winter - The Cincinnati Enquirer - January 21st, 2025 [January 21st, 2025]
- Snag This Beautiful and Comfortable Patio Set While Its on Sale Now at Amazon, and Enjoy It Come Spring - PEOPLE - January 21st, 2025 [January 21st, 2025]
- Walmart is selling a 'durable' $300 outdoor heater for only $108, and shoppers say it's perfect for patios - TheStreet - January 21st, 2025 [January 21st, 2025]
- Blue Dog Tavern plans outdoor patio in former Stocking Theater space - Grand Rapids Business Journal - January 21st, 2025 [January 21st, 2025]
- Patio Music Live At The Madlife Grill Patio... | 01/21/2025 6:00 PM - Creative Loafing - January 21st, 2025 [January 21st, 2025]
- Walmart slashes the price of this Patio Furniture Set by more than $230 for a limited time - PennLive - January 21st, 2025 [January 21st, 2025]
- These winter patios are the hottest spots in Toronto right now (for these reasons) - Breakfast Television - January 21st, 2025 [January 21st, 2025]
- Patio weeds will regrow with vinegar but 1 other kitchen item will keep them gone - Express - January 21st, 2025 [January 21st, 2025]
- Patio weeds 'regrow' with vinegar but 1 kitchen item will stop them - Devon Live - January 21st, 2025 [January 21st, 2025]
- How to choose the best outdoor patio heater for you, according to landscape experts - Yahoo Life - January 21st, 2025 [January 21st, 2025]
- Our Best-Selling Wicker Patio Set Is Not Only Back in Stock, but It's Also on Sale - Yahoo Life - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Remove patio black spots in 1 hour naturally with the only household cleaner that works - Express - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Summer in January: Nows the Perfect Time to Buy Outdoor Furniture at a Discount - Architectural Digest - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Are some things illegal to have on your balcony in Vancouver? - Vancouver Is Awesome - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Walmart Is Selling a $400 5-Piece Patio Dining Set for Just $240, and Shoppers Say It's 'Gorgeous and Comfortable' - DenGarden - December 21st, 2024 [December 21st, 2024]
- Walmart is selling a $800 4-piece patio set for just $239, and shoppers 'love everything about it' - TheStreet - December 21st, 2024 [December 21st, 2024]
- Small-space gardening: The rise of patio glasshouses and what to grow - House Beautiful - December 21st, 2024 [December 21st, 2024]
- Amazon's End-of-Year Sale Is Chock-Full of Patio Furniture, so Deck Out Your Backyard for Next Spring Now - Better Homes & Gardens - December 21st, 2024 [December 21st, 2024]
- This 'Amazon's Choice' Patio Heater Is On Sale for Just $110 for a Limited Time, and Buyers Say It's a 'Great Value' - DenGarden - December 21st, 2024 [December 21st, 2024]
- Jemal yields to critics, but still gets rooftop patio, other changes at Elmwood-Bidwell - Buffalo News - December 21st, 2024 [December 21st, 2024]
- Home with big patio and fountain | Cool House - FOX 10 News Phoenix - December 10th, 2024 [December 10th, 2024]
- Atlanta Restaurants With Heated Patios - The Infatuation - December 10th, 2024 [December 10th, 2024]
- Stop using vinegar to kill patio weeds as 1 better kitchen item prevents them growing back - Express - December 10th, 2024 [December 10th, 2024]
- 10 items to heat up your outdoor patio in cold weather - Fox News - December 10th, 2024 [December 10th, 2024]
- Bend husband and wife team bring revolutionary patio heater to market - Central Oregon Daily - December 10th, 2024 [December 10th, 2024]
- Walmart's bestselling $520 5-piece patio set is on sale for only $200, and shoppers say it's 'worth it' - TheStreet - December 10th, 2024 [December 10th, 2024]
- 15 Cheap And Clever Ways To Perk Up Your Patio - MSN - December 10th, 2024 [December 10th, 2024]
- Walmart Is Selling an Amazing $700 Rattan Patio Set for Just $199, and Shoppers Say They Get A Lot of Compliments on It - Parade Magazine - December 10th, 2024 [December 10th, 2024]
- Patio Music Live At The Madlife Grill Patio Stage Free Event - Creative Loafing - December 10th, 2024 [December 10th, 2024]
- Very effective ingredient to remove patio algae in 20 minutes - not baking soda - Express - December 10th, 2024 [December 10th, 2024]
- Walmart Has a Beautiful $1,000 Patio Sofa Set on Sale for Just $300, and Shoppers Say It's 'Perfect for Any Space - Yahoo Life - November 29th, 2024 [November 29th, 2024]
- The Best Time to Buy Patio Furniture Is Off-Season, and Our Favorite Deals Start at $52 Right Now - PEOPLE - November 29th, 2024 [November 29th, 2024]
- Wayfair, Amazon, and Walmart Have Major Black Friday Deals on Outdoor FurnitureHere Are the 30 Best - Better Homes & Gardens - November 29th, 2024 [November 29th, 2024]
- Walmart is selling a 'cute' $300 patio set for just $80, and shoppers call it a 'great find' on Black Friday - TheStreet - November 29th, 2024 [November 29th, 2024]
- Walmart's Selling an 'Awesome' Propane Patio Heater for $79 Off on Black Friday, and Shoppers Say It's Giving 'Very Fancy Vibes' - DenGarden - November 29th, 2024 [November 29th, 2024]
- You can enjoy a beer alongside Houston's cool weather at these bars - Chron - November 29th, 2024 [November 29th, 2024]
- The Desert Roamer Is a Luxurious, All-Inclusive Expedition Truck Camper With a Huge Patio - autoevolution - November 29th, 2024 [November 29th, 2024]
- Walmart Has a Beautiful $1,000 Patio Sofa Set on Sale for Just $300, and Shoppers Say It's 'Perfect for Any Space - Parade Magazine - November 29th, 2024 [November 29th, 2024]
- The Cuisinart Portable Patio Heater at a Black Friday-Exclusive Low Price Will Warm Your Winter - Gizmodo - November 29th, 2024 [November 29th, 2024]
- This Stunning Amazon Tiny House Is Made For Entertaining With 2 Balconies And 2 Patios - Southern Living - November 29th, 2024 [November 29th, 2024]
- Quickest way to eliminate weeds from patios using common kitchen item - The Mirror - November 29th, 2024 [November 29th, 2024]
- Walmart Is Selling This Lovely $690 Swivel Chair Patio Set for Just $210, and Reviewers Say It's an Unbeatable Deal - Parade Magazine - November 29th, 2024 [November 29th, 2024]