Temporary patios that were approved and installed for FIFA World Cup celebrations in B.C. can now be extended through the summer, the province announced Monday. Certain restaurants and pubs applied for and were granted licenses to install patios ahead of the tournament to provide more space for those enjoying the festivities or viewing matches. As a result, patios on Vancouver’s Granville Street and Yaletown area, as well as elsewhere in the province, have been filled with locals and visiting fans since June 11, and those granted extensions will be allowed to keep things going long after the World Cup festivities end. “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,” said Nate Sabine, director of business development for Good Co.’s Granville location, in a statement. If applications for extension are accepted, these establishments can keep patios open until September 6. In a release, the province said the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch will work with local governments to “help businesses benefit from this extension quickly and efficiently.” The province said the decision was made to build on the momentum the World Cup brought to B.C.’s hospitality and tourism sectors, while helping businesses maintain increased revenue and staffing levels. “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, in a statement. The move comes less than a week after Vancouver city council voted to maintain a five-block stretch of Granville Street as a pedestrian only zone until the Labour Day weekend, investing $4.75 million in the process. “Vancouver has rediscovered what’s possible when we put people at the heart of our city,” reads a statement from Vancouver’s mayor, Ken Sim. “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.” With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Ben Miljure
