WINNIPEG --
Winnipeg restaurants looking to open a patio amid the pandemic this summer may have to pay a $500 fee – a surprise to some restaurant owners who are wondering if it is worth opening one at all.
The City of Winnipeg has implemented a $500 processing fee for restaurants looking to take part in the temporary summer patio program, which allows registered restaurants and tasting rooms to operate a patio space from April 1 to Oct. 31.
Last year, in the midst of the pandemic, the city waived the fee – and restaurant owners are asking the city do it again.
"Government is saying support local, so they have to support local with their arms open," said Arun Goyal, the manager of Curry and Pint. "That is how we can survive."