The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has posted a reminder that earlier this year the Government of Ontario amended regulations to permanently provide municipalities with the ability to approve temporary outdoor extensions of licensed premises like patios. Previously, approval of all temporary outdoor extensions was under the authority of the AGCO Registrar.

Effective January 1, 2023, the AGCO will no longer be accepting applications for licensees in municipalities. The AGCO will retain authority for approving outdoor extensions for licensees in all unorganized areas and on First Nation reserves (expect in cases where the band council directs the AGCO not to approve these extensions).

More information can be found on the AGCO website: New requirements for temporary outdoor physical extensions (temporary patios) begin January 1, 2023