BC Enters Stage Two of Restart Plan & Changes to Public Order: Effective Tomorrow

Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,

We are starting off the week with some good news! This morning, Premier Horgan and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Henry confirmed BC will officially start Stage 2 of the Restart Plan tomorrow (Tuesday, June 15).

The transition into Step 2 of the four-step restart plan aligns with key metrics for moving forward. More than 75% of adults are vaccinated with their first dose, exceeding the target Step 2 minimum threshold of 65%. The other metrics for moving through the stages – COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations – continue to steadily decline.  

Public health safety protocols, such as mask wearing in all indoor public spaces and physical distancing, will remain in place during Step 2. As well, personal indoor gatherings will be limited to five visitors, or one other household. 

Moving from Step 1 to Step 2 includes:  

  • BC recreational travel – non-essential travel ban lifted. Out-of-province non-essential travel advisory continues.

  • Maximum of 50 people for outdoor personal gatherings

  • Maximum of 50 people for indoor seated organized gatherings (e.g., movie theatres, live theatre, banquet halls, restaurants, bars) with safety plans

  • Indoor faith gatherings – a maximum of 50 people, or 10% of a place of worship’s total capacity, whichever number is greater – with safety plans

  • Maximum of 50 spectators for outdoor sports

  • Liquor service at restaurants, bars and pubs extended until midnight

  • Indoor sports games (no spectators) and high-intensity fitness with safety plans

All other capacity limits and guidelines listed in Step 1 stay in place unless noted in the list above. 

The earliest target start date for Step 3 is July 1, and September 7 for Step 4. View the updated BC Restart Plan four-step graphic here. View the full Restart Plan here. 

Since the launch of the restart plan on May 25, government has been working with sector associations and WorkSafeBC to help prepare for the transition into Step 3 when public health orders will be lifted and new guidelines will come into effect. Businesses can expect to see updated guidance available through WorkSafeBC’s website prior to July 1. Businesses will then adapt their safety plans to reflect this updated guidance.

Updated Public Order for Food and Liquor Serving Premises

As BC moves into Step 2 of the Restart Plan, the public order for Food and Liquor Serving Premises will also be updated.

ABLE BC has confirmed the following changes will be made to the public order, effective June 15:

  • Liquor sales end at midnight

  • Patrons will still be required to be seated, but they will be allowed to stand up to throw darts, shoot pool, and bowl in the same group of six

  • Physical distancing and capacity requirements will not change

  • Establishments will no longer be required to collect personal information from patrons

  • Music will be allowed and the limits on volume will be removed

  • Dancing and karaoke will not be allowed

  • Events will be allowed at food and liquor serving premises per the indoor organized gatherings rules (i.e., maximum 50 people in attendance). Taking contact information will be required for events.

A copy of the new public order should be available tomorrow and we will circulate a copy to industry.

Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant: Deadline Extended

Earlier this month, government extended the deadline for the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant to July 2, 2021.

Grants of $10,000 to $30,000 are available to small and medium sized B.C. businesses impacted by COVID-19. An additional $5,000 to $15,000 grant is available to eligible tourism-related businesses. 

Businesses apply for funding online. Learn more and apply here.

For more information:

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact ABLE BC: info@ablebc.ca.

Ann Brydle