URGENT UPDATE: Indoor dining ban restrictions

Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,

I know many of you are still wondering whether the current ban on indoor dining – set to expire at midnight on May 24 – will be lifted, extended, or modified. We are doing everything possible to get that clarity for you.

This afternoon, Premier Horgan, Minister Dix, and Dr. Henry addressed British Columbians at a press conference. If you watched the conference, we are as disappointed as you are that the Premier did not give a clear answer as to whether indoor dining will resume on Tuesday.

Both Dr. Henry and the Premier indicated that the ‘Circuit Breaker’ will be over on Tuesday. However, when asked by a reporter if indoor dining will resume on Tuesday, the Premier said that while the current public order expires at midnight on Monday, BC’s Restart 2.0 Plan will be announced on Tuesday, May 25. It is unclear if the reopening plan will include new public orders impacting indoor dining.

Frustratingly, we are still in a holding pattern until we hear from the Premier or Dr. Henry on Tuesday if indoor dining will be allowed to resume.

During today’s conference, Dr. Henry said “Nothing is going to be back to 100 per cent on Tuesday. It’s not going to be a light switch. It’s going to be a dimmer switch.” It is currently unclear what that means for your businesses.

I know this is not the answer you were hoping for. And I know how frustrating it is to once again have to wait on the information you need to make vital business decisions. Rest assured we will continue to do everything we can to gain the clarity you need in the coming days.

I’ll be back in touch as we know more. As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at jeff@ablebc.ca with any questions.

-Jeff