Last updated: July 29, 2021 at 1 p.m.
The CaféTO program aims to provide space for expanded outdoor dining areas to help some restaurants and bars who are impacted by COVID-19. Restaurants and bars operating in Toronto must follow current public health guidelines as developed by Toronto Public Health and the Province of Ontario. Please visit the Province of Ontario’s website to stay informed.
Patios will be permitted to host groups of up to four people from different households, providing public health measures including wearing a mask or face covering and distancing or barriers between tables, are in place.
Read the updated CaféTO guidebook to better understand this year’s program.
View the Map of CaféTO Installations
As part of City’s Live Music on Patios Pilot program, from now until October 31 some CaféTO patios in Wards 9 (Davenport), 14 (Toronto-Danforth), and 19 (Beaches-East York) are exempt from the amplified sound prohibition. Eligible patios are CaféTO patios located on main streets only (flankage cafés or patios on private property are not eligible).
Amplified sound on main street patios in the pilot areas must comply with the Noise Bylaw. Amplified music is permitted on these patios only within scheduled times:
Venues in the three pilot wards that are interested in participating in the Live Music on Patios Pilot are encouraged to email music@toronto.ca for more information.
Amplified sound is prohibited on CaféTO patios. Businesses are also prohibited from projecting amplified sound from inside their establishment onto the public patio. If amplified sound is playing inside, then all doors and windows must be closed as required by the Sidewalk Cafés, Parklets And Marketing Displays Bylaw. Acoustic sound is permitted on CafeTO patios but must remain compliant with the Noise Bylaw.
It is the responsibility of CaféTO participants to follow the rules and ensure your café is accessible for your patrons, and that your café does not impede the ability of people using the sidewalk.
The CaféTO guidebook contains important rules that CaféTO operators must follow, such as maintain the pedestrian clearway, cane-detectability and colour contrasting of café materials.
The guidebook also has some suggestions to improve the accessibility of their outdoor dining space, including furniture choice and layout of the café. Please carefully review this section starting on page 12 of the CaféTO guidebook.
On March 2, The City of Toronto hosted a free webinar for restaurant operators interested in learning more about CaféTO and outdoor dining in Toronto in 2021.
CaféTO is a part of the City’s ShowLoveTO initiative, launched in association with Founding Sponsor American Express and in partnership with Destination Toronto, to help Toronto businesses, neighbourhoods and residents safely recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic.
To receive updates and information on CaféTO, sign-up for the BusinessTOnewsletter
Postcard: Download and print this easy to follow postcard on expanding private patios in Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough this summer.
Poster: Download and print this helpful poster about CaféTO options.
Add your restaurant to Destination Toronto’s ToGoToronto.com, a free listing of more than 700 Toronto restaurants that are open for safe takeout, delivery and patios as public health restrictions allow.
Participate in the new and free restaurant program, DineTOgether, September 17 to October 3. Interested owners/operators of full-service restaurants can register online August 4 to 31
