With patio season around the corner, now’s the time for Milton restaurants to apply for program

This week’s unseasonably warm weather served as a reminder that outdoor patio season is just around the corner in Milton.

Applications are open now for local businesses that want to participate in the Town of Milton’s seasonal patio extension program. The 2023 program will run from May 20 until Oct. 31.

All applicants must complete an application form, whether they are returning or a new applicant.

Among the documents needed are:

• Proof of liability insurance for $2,000,000
• Proof of an existing liquor licence, if applicable
• Signed letter of permission from the property owner (if not registered owner)
• Site plan
• Encroachment agreement, if applicable

If you have an approved site plan from last year, and are not making any changes to your patio, you do not need to submit an updated site plan.

New for this y ear, restaurant owners must notify the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) before they start selling and serving liquor on their seasonal patio.

In addition to compliance with any health and safety requirements and conditions of liquor licensing, the following will be required as conditions of approval for temporary patios:

• Adherence to hours of operation
• Adherence to provincial and regional public health guidelines
• No amplified noise for temporary outdoor patios (i.e., no outdoor music or dancing, and adherence to existing noise by-laws will be required)
• Clearance from the fire department with respect to occupancy load and capacity
• Posting of signage will be required with respect to physical distancing
• Maintaining safe vehicle circulation, pedestrian access and access for deliveries and waste management

Any temporary or permanent enclosures are subject to approvals as per the Ontario Building Code. Structures should only be installed once a building permit has been issued.

Patio heaters, both portable and fixed, and open-flame units are designed for outdoor use only. If used near flammable tents, enclosures, table cloths or paper products there is a risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep heaters three feet from combustibles and keep fire extinguishers close by.

Optional fees normally associated with outdoor patio permits have been waived for 2023. The cash-in-lieu of parking fee will be $1 for each existing space occupied by the patio and associated buffer area, and for each space required for the new patio area.

For more information or to apply, visit the Town website.