Some Lower Mainland restaurants close patios due to extreme heat, poor air quality

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — As Friday saw more temperatures soaring into the mid to late 30’s, many patios in the Lower Mainland decided it was too hot for servers.

CEO of the BC Food and Restaurant Association, Ian Tostenson says restaurants move their patrons off the patio, when it’s no longer safe for workers to be out there serving them.

“Sending out someone in 40 degree in the sunshine carrying a lot of food sometimes isn’t the greatest idea, so you know employees first and safety first.”

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Tostenson says as people get moved from spacious patios, to inside restaurants– COVID protocols inside are more relaxed than they used to be.

“The restrictions before which was distance between tables doesn’t exist anymore, but what does exist is really keeping people at their tables.”

He says if you plan to go to a restaurant during this heat wave, be patient with staff, who are working under extreme heat conditions both on the patios, and in the kitchens.