A pair of pub patios in downtown Victoria, originally established during the COVID-19 era, could soon become permanent fixtures.
The Victoria Pub Company, which owns the Irish Times and Bard and Banker pubs, has applied to the City of Victoria to make the temporary patios installed during the pandemic permanent fixtures along the historic stretch of Government Street.
While there were initial concerns about noise and the perception that the pubs were expanding their capacity, neither application would result in additional seating.
Both patios are no longer allowed to be used as of December 31st after the temporary program which requires a new approval before it can be used.
Council unanimously voted last week to support the Victoria Pub Company’s applications to license the existing patios, with the condition that the pubs adhere to daily service hours of 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. indoors and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. outdoors.
The provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch now holds the final decision on the licence change.
There is no time frame for when the decision will be made. Do you think the outdoor patios should remain? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
