FOLLOWING Monday’s Provincial Health Order prohibiting all dine-in service until April 19, Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum, in order to assist Surrey restaurant, pub and bar owners during this period, announced on Tuesday that he will bring in a motion at the next Council meeting to waive patio permit fees and fast track the process for new patios and patio expansion.

Until the motion is passed by Council, current application fees will be on hold until a decision is made.

“The places that we go to enjoy a meal and the company of others will be under strain with dine-in service prohibited over the next three weeks,” said McCallum. “That’s why I will be bringing forward a motion to help restaurants, pubs and bars looking to build or expand a patio. I am also asking Council to waive the Patio Permit Fee during this period. We can all play a part in helping these businesses that are a fabric of our community by ordering take-out or dining at a patio.  I encourage everyone to support your neighbourhood restaurants as we work through the next three weeks.”