As vaccination rates climb, provinces are laying out their plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions. F&H has compiled the following update of where restaurants stand, by province, in the re-opening roadmap.
Alberta
Alberta’s action plan to re-open for a safe summer is divided into three stages. The province is currently in Stage 1, but will have met the requirements to enter stage two on June 10, as long as hospitalizations continue to decline. Currently, restaurants are serving guests outdoors, allowing up to four members from the same household to sit together. For those who live alone, they can eat with close contacts. When Alberta transitions into Stage 2, indoor dining can resume, limited to six people per table.
Nova Scotia
On June 2, Nova Scotia entered Phase 1 of the five phases pertaining to its re-opening plan. Outdoor patios at restaurants and liquor-licensed establishments (such as bars, wineries, distillery tasting rooms and craft taprooms) are open with a minimum physical distance of two metres (six feet) between tables. Each table allows a maximum of 10 people from close contacts. Wearing a mask is required (except when eating or drinking). The earliest date Nova Scotia expects to reach Phase 2 is June 16, at which time indoor dining will be permitted. Dine-in customers can be served until 11 p.m. and the establishment must close by midnight. Restaurants and liquor-licensed establishments can continue to offer takeout, delivery and drive-thru service after 12am.
Ontario
As of midnight on June 11, Ontario will transition into Step 1 of its Roadmap to Re-open. Currently, indoor and outdoor dining are restricted but takeout, drive thru and food delivery can continue. Step 1 allows for outdoor dining with up to four guests per table.
Quebec
The Quebec government aimed for every region to transition from the red to orange phase by May 31. However, Montreal and Laval were delayed by a week. As of June 7, all of Quebec is now officially free from red-zone restrictions. For restaurants, patrons can dine both indoors and outdoors. Protocols limit a maximum of two individuals seated per table from either the same household or different addresses. Reservations are required and contact information must be provided. Shows/events during meals are not permitted.
Newfoundland
As of June 1, the Northeast Coast (communities in Lewisporte to Summerford area) in Newfoundland are in Alert Level 3. This allows restaurants to have indoor dining and operate at a 50-per-cent capacity if physical distancing is maintained. Buffets remain prohibited. George’s-Stephenville-Port au Port remains in Area Alert Level 4, which means restaurants can only serve guests outdoors. The remainder of the province is in Alert Level 2. The province is aiming to lift long-term COVID-19 restrictions and re-open to the rest of the country by July 1, on Canada Day. For restaurateurs, this will mean they can open at 75-per-cent capacity, with distancing. However, self-serve buffets will not be allowed to re-open.
Saskatchewan
Currently, in Saskatchewan, all restaurants and licensed establishments are open for indoor dining, allowing no more than six people from the same dining party to be seated at a table. However, dance floors and buffets remain prohibited. VLT activity may resume. Alcohol is not allowed to be served any later than 10 p.m. Social distancing remains the same with a minimum of two metres between tables or a structural barrier in place between groups when two metres of distance is not possible. Restaurants must collect all contact information from guests.
British Columbia
British Columbia is currently in Step 1 of BC’s Re-start: A Plan to Bring Us Back Together. For now, restaurants may resume indoor dining, but must comply with the existing WorkSafeBC safety plans. This includes sitting parties of up to six people at tables, no liquor service after 10 p.m., and seating individuals from different parties two metres away from one another at the bar. Capacity levels are dependent on how many people the restaurant can serve while still maintaining social distancing. Masks must always be worn when away from the table and events are prohibited.
Nunavut
Effective April 26, all restaurants, bars and clubs in Nunavut are limited to operating at 50-per-cent capacity. Restaurants in Iqaluit and Kinngait will continue to operate for takeout only.
Manitoba
The Manitoba government extended the emergency lockdown effective 30 days from May 29 at 12:01 a.m. Restaurants and licensed premises must close and are open to takeout and delivery only.
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories are currently in Phase 2 of the 4-phase re-opening plan. Nearly all businesses and activities are open in Phase 2, but with safety and capacity restrictions to in place. Indoor gatherings are restricted to 25 people, while outdoor settings allow a maximum of 50 people. Dance floors, singing, live music, events and buffets are prohibited. Restaurants can seat up to six people per table unless they’re from the same household, in which case there is no limit. Touchless pay transactions are still the norm. Restaurants must follow social distancing and collect contact information from patrons. It is optional for some locations to ask screening questions upon entry.
Yukon
As of May 25, restaurants and bars returned to 100-per-cent capacity. However, no more than six people can be seated together at the same table. Those who are not from the same social bubble must distance themselves two metres. The same applies to bar-top and counter seating. Restaurants must maintain a daily list of customers and keep the information on file for 30 days.
Prince Edward Island
Indoor and outdoor dining is permitted, with a maximum capacity of up to 50 patrons unless approved for an additional cohort(s). Food establishments may have a maximum of three cohorts of 50 patrons indoors (or outdoors) following the Multiple Gatherings Guidance. This allowance is only with an approved Operational Plan. Guests are to remain seated during service. Reservations are encouraged for indoor dining. Self-serve buffets are not permitted at this time but served buffets may resume provided that preventive measures are followed.
New Brunswick
All of New Brunswick are in the yellow zone, permitting indoor dining. Licensed premises must ensure all guests are always seated, with exceptions enter and exit the premises and to go to and from washrooms.
Compiled by Caitlyn Robison
