The rules for distancing, service, and cleaning and sanitation that apply to the indoor area of the food premise also apply to patios/outdoor dining areas.

 

*Please note that these rules are subject to change as Ottawa moves from Modified Stage 2 and Stage 3 opening.*

  • If the outdoor dining area is covered by a roof, canopy, tent, awning or other element, at least two full sides of the outdoor dining area must be open to the outdoors and must not be substantially blocked by any walls or other impermeable physical barriers. The covering should be as high as possible from the ground – a height of 3 metres is recommended as a minimum.
  • If the outdoor dining area is equipped with a retractable roof, the roof must be fully retracted and at least one full side of the outdoor dining area must be open to the outdoors and must not be substantially blocked by any walls or other impermeable physical barriers.
  • Rearrange and/or remove seating and tables, or mark as unavailable, to ensure a minimum of two metres/six feet between each edge of every table and to maintain two metres/six feet between patrons of different tables (e.g., maintain two metres between the backs of seating when occupied).
    • Patrons of one table must be seated two metres/six feet from patrons of other tables.

 

Co-mingling between patrons of different groups should be avoided.

  • Limit the time servers spend within two metres/six feet of customers.
  • Allow space for the safe circulation of customers and staff.
  • Consider a reservation system to avoid lines of waiting customers.
  • Ensure that lines of waiting customers do not come close to patio customers.
  • Use visible markers on the floor (e.g. stickers) where a line-up may occur.
  • Mark direction of travel to designate entrances and exits, pick up areas and washrooms.
  • Post signage promoting physical distancing upon entry.
  • Provide one or more means of egress.
  • In the event of severe weather, patrons may go inside the restaurant to:
    • Take temporary shelter
    • Pack their meal for takeout
    • Pay for their meals
    • Dine indoors if physical distancing permits

* Patrons must maintain appropriate physical distancing (at least 2 metres separation) while indoors. Establishments are encouraged to develop plans to put in place during severe weather situations. The protocol may include considerations such as: floor markings to indicate physical distancing, mask requirements, and having multiple staff processing final payments to facilitate patrons leaving quickly