News Release
July 30, 2020

Under the Province of Ontario’s Stage 3 order, which takes effect in Toronto tomorrow, many businesses and facilities will be able to open, subject to compliance with reopening conditions and implementation of mandatory public health measures. Restaurants and bars – integral parts of Toronto’s economy – will be permitted to offer indoor dine-in service.

While many Torontonians are excited for this new development, the dine-in experience will be changed, and people should be prepared for new precautions established specifically for indoor settings, where close contact presents a higher risk of virus spread.

Restaurants and bars are, as of tomorrow, permitted to offer indoor dine-in service.

The City of Toronto and Government of Ontario have set out clear requirements for these establishments to protect the health and safety of restaurant patrons and employees including:

  • Ensuring all patrons remain seated at all times except when entering or exiting, using the washroom, or paying
  • Separating tables by at least two metres or have plexiglass or other impermeable barriers separating them
  • Requiring the cleaning and disinfecting of amenities, equipment and devices as necessary to maintain sanitary conditions for patrons and staff
  • Maintaining customer logs that include contact information (name, email address and phone number) and date and time of visit to be used by Toronto Public Health for contact tracing purposes
  • Keeping customer logs for 30 days and providing logs to Toronto Public Health upon request for contact tracing purposes
  • Posting signage at all entrances to the premises to identify the necessity of keeping customer logs for contact tracing purposes
  • Establishing staff screening protocols
  • Limiting indoor capacity in restaurants and bars to a maximum of 100 people indoors (provided physical distancing can be maintained)
  • Limiting the number of customers who may be seated at the same table, to a maximum of 10 customers per table

The new City requirements are being implemented through temporary provisions under the Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 545, Licensing. Toronto Public Health guidance for restaurants and signage are available on the City’s website.

The new Ontario regulations – which were requested by the City of Toronto – can be found online.

Residents are reminded, under the City’s Mandatory Mask or Face Covering Bylaw, restaurant patrons must wear a mask or face covering when indoors. The bylaw includes exemptions for those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, children under the age of two and other accommodations. The bylaw also permits the temporary removal of a mask or face covering when receiving services, such as having a meal.

Residents can learn about what to expect and what is required as Toronto moves into Stage 3 and they begin to visit more establishments and take part in more activities at toronto.ca/ReopenTO.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check toronto.ca/covid-19 for answers to common questions.

Quotes:

“We continue to do everything we can as a municipal government to help restaurant operators open safely. We are working to support these businesses, while doing what we must to keep Toronto residents safe. Most importantly, we must stay focussed on stopping the spread of COVID-19 right now, and in the event of a second wave. The safety measures put in place will help protect the health of all our residents, including restaurant customers and employees, and help us to continue the restart of our economy.”
– Mayor John Tory

“These measures ensure we can move forward with our recovery and rebuild while continuing to protect the health of our residents. Reopening of more businesses as we enter Stage 3 is something to look forward to, but we must do so thoughtfully with discipline and caution.”

– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Ward 21 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee

“These public health measures for high-risk areas like bars and restaurants are designed to protect those most at risk in our community and reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. While we want residents to be able to enjoy the activities they have been missing for the past few months, the risk of COVID-19 is still very real, and the health and safety of both customers and staff is our first priority.”

– Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York), Chair of the Board of Health

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media Relations