TESA Patios (Temporary Patios) Extended Until December 31/2024

TESA patios (Temporary Service Area patios) have been extended until December 31, 2024 by the BC Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). The extension gives restaurants and bars more time to apply to make their temporary patios permanent. As outlined in LCRB Bulletin 23-01, the extension applies to BC Liquor Primary, Food Primary and Manufacturer licensees that have TESA approval.

TESA patio authorizations were first implemented in May 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic physical distancing requirements. Extended service areas did not increase a licensee business’s approved occupancy load or capacity limits. The extended service areas allowed social distancing and became a necessary measure to keep businesses operating during tough times. LCRB stopped accepting new TESA applications on November 1, 2021.

ABLE BC (Alliance of Beverage Licensees BC) partnered with the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, Restaurants Canada and others to lobby LCRB for this extension on behalf of BC liquor licensees that use a TESA patio.

Businesses who wish to keep their TESA beyond December 31, 2024, must apply for a new outdoor patio (for outdoor TESAs) or permanent structural change (for indoor TESAs). ABLE BC urges licensees to begin the application now because they can take 10 months or more to process. Applications are made by logging into the liquor and cannabis licensing portal.

Get Help with Your TESA Patio Extension. Thrive Makes it Easy!

Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors can ensure that your business doesn’t miss the opportunity to make your temporary patio permanent. Don’t let red tape and your busy life delay a permanent structural change application. Our BC liquor consultants make the process easy, freeing up your time so you can focus on running your business.