Province relaxes rules on patios

ALBERTA – The province has taken steps to make it easier for licensed restaurants and bars in Alberta to operate patios.

“Albertans enjoy the outdoors and patios are great meeting places for Albertans to enjoy themselves,” stated finance minister, Joe Ceci in a media release. “They make our neighbourhoods welcoming and vibrant. This policy makes life better for businesses and patrons alike by allowing for types of patios that recognize the unique character of the building, neighbourhood and customers.”

Under the previous rules, a three-foot-high enclosure had to be built to operate a patio – something the province says provided a financial barrier to businesses that were looking to build or expand a patio.

Businesses will now be allowed to define the outdoor space with planters, furniture or other decorative items.