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London may allow bigger patios when bars, eateries reopen post-pandemic

The City of London may ease restrictions on how large a space a patio can occupy, in an effort to help eateries serve more patrons in a safe, socially distanced way once they can reopen.

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Bar and restaurant patios may soon take up a lot more outdoor space.

The City of London may ease restrictions on how large a space a patio can occupy, in an effort to help eateries serve more patrons in a safe, socially distanced way once they can reopen.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has closed bars and restaurants except for takeout and delivery service, patios will play a big role when they reopen as a place patrons can gather safely.

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“It just makes common sense, we would be open to it,” said city bylaw boss Orest Katolyk of allowing more patio space for eateries. “When you implement more social distancing, patios will need more space.”

To expand a patio onto city streets, sidewalks or a parking area may require a permit, minor variance or a bylaw change, he added.

“We will be giving this heightened attention should we receive requests,” from businesses to expand their outdoor presence, he added. “We will be open to these applications.”

At Waldo’s on King, owner Mark Kitching said he’d like to put his tables on the sidewalk and even spill on to King Street, if he can.

“Of course. I am doing everything I can to survive. I am working seven days a week, 10 to 12 hours a day. I know people are deep in debt and getting deeper every week,” he said of the need to support restaurants emerging from the pandemic.

“I’ve been through three recessions and we get a little smarter and stronger after every one.”

The pandemic hit just as core-area businesses were getting back on their feet after two summers of massive street construction, Kitching said. At Waldo’s, sales were down last year but business grew more than 25 per cent between January and March, when it shut down.

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“I think you’ll see a lot of small businesses not open again,” he said.

Downtown London, the agency representing core merchants, is working with law enforcement to allow curbside pickup and delivery of food, said executive director Barbara Maly.

Any move to allow more tables would have to respect other, nearby businesses and not encroach on their space, she said.

“(Larger patios) would be great news,” she said. “We have had some discussion, but nothing in detail. We will have to be aware of other businesses, ensuring we have space for everyone.”

At the Alibi Roadhouse on Oxford Street, owner Dan Johnson has a contained patio area now, but would like to see some parking spaces in the plaza he occupies devoted to more tables once he reopens.

“Anything to help. It is a great idea. Anything we can do is positive,” said Johnson. “We are in survival mode. Whatever it takes.”

Restaurants now offering takeout food say they make little off the business, but are keeping some staff working and staying connected with customers.

Downtown eateries may be best positioned to add or expand their outdoor presence, because the Dundas Place flex street was designed to “bring the indoors outside” and is ideal for socializing in a pandemic world, said Jim Yanchula, city hall’s downtown projects and business relations manager.

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“Dundas Place was designed for outdoor use,” said Yanchula. “There are no curbs and fewer obstacles such as posts and parking meters. It has made more space available for outdoor use.”

Now, only a few restaurants offer patio space on Dundas Street, but it would make sense if more set up tables outside, he added.

Retailers could bring their merchandise outdoors as well, Yanchula said, since Dundas Place can be closed to vehicle traffic to offer a safe shopping environment.

“It is all about balance and safety right now,” he said. “Once things open up we need to have discussions and see how we can help promote them in a measured fashion.”

ndebono@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/NormatLFPress

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