Summary

• Businesses that received temporary patio approvals related to FIFA World Cup 2026 can apply to keep them open through summer
• The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch will work with local governments to ensure extensions are done as quickly as possible
• The extension will help businesses welcome more customers, support jobs, and add to B.C.’s summer tourism season  

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Restaurants, pubs, and other hospitality establishments that had temporary outdoor patios approved for FIFA World Cup 2026 can now apply to keep them open through summer.

This will help businesses build on the momentum generated by the tournament, while providing British Columbians and visitors with more outdoor dining and gathering opportunities.

“B.C.’s hospitality sector has stepped up in a big way during the FIFA World Cup 2026, creating vibrant spaces for people to celebrate together while giving a huge boost to local businesses,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “By extending these wonderful patio spaces through the summer, B.C. restaurants, pubs and businesses can keep the momentum going, support jobs and continue to deliver the welcoming experiences for visitors and locals to enjoy.”

Government is providing an opportunity for eligible licensees with approved FIFA World Cup 2026 related outdoor Temporary Extensions of Licensed Areas throughout B.C. to apply to extend those approvals through Sept. 6, 2026. The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) will be working with local governments, such as the City of Vancouver, to help businesses benefit from this extension quickly and efficiently.

“Vancouver has rediscovered what's possible when we put people at the heart of our city,” said Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver. “Granville Street has been full of energy, local businesses are seeing more customers, and residents and visitors have told us loud and clear they want this momentum to continue. Extending the pilot through the summer gives businesses the certainty they need, supports our local economy, and allows us to gather even more data as we continue delivering on the long-term vision for Granville Street.”

The extension is expected to provide a range of benefits, including:

• supporting restaurants, pubs and other hospitality businesses during the peak summer tourism season
• helping businesses maintain revenue and staffing levels following the FIFA World Cup 2026
• creating more opportunities for outdoor dining and social gatherings
• enhancing the visitor experience throughout B.C.
• supporting local tourism and economic activity

“We’re thrilled to see the Province extend temporary patios through Labour Day weekend,” said Ian Tostenson, president and CEO, BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association. “Patios have become one of the best parts of a B.C. summer, bringing people together, supporting local restaurants, and adding life to our streets and neighbourhoods. We hope municipalities jump on board quickly so everyone can enjoy a few more weeks of great food, good company, and the best of B.C. hospitality.”

This extension builds on the Province’s ongoing work to support B.C.’s hospitality and tourism sectors, strengthen local economies and create welcoming spaces where people can gather safely and responsibly.

Quotes:

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth –

“Our goal is to help B.C. businesses make the most of this global tournament and the busy summer season beyond. Extending these patio approvals gives hospitality operators more flexibility to welcome guests and increase revenue during one of the year's most important periods. This means stronger local businesses, more jobs and a better experience for both residents and visitors in communities throughout B.C.”

Terry Yung, MLA for Vancouver-Yaletown –

“The FIFA World Cup has brought incredible energy to downtown Vancouver and allowing these patios along with the Granville Street Pedestrian Zone to remain throughout the busy summer season will attract more customers and continue to showcase our city to visitors from around the world. Keeping these outdoor spaces a little longer means more chances for people to get together and support our local businesses and economy.”

Nate Sabine, director of business development, Good Co. Granville, Vancouver –

“Extending the activation on Granville Street and being able to have these outdoor spaces available through summer is great news for the many businesses that make up our entertainment district. We’ve seen great crowds throughout the FIFA World Cup, and this will keep drawing tourists and locals to the area for the remainder of the summer, which is integral to our continued success.”

Learn More:

• Information to support with FIFA World Cup 2026 planning and how to apply to extend a FIFA-related temporary patio is available through B.C.’s Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/liquor-regulation-licensing/about-lcrb/liquor-licensing-guide-for-fifa-world-cup-2026\