[Didama]

I'm far more worried about the speed of permitting than the cost. $3,700 may sound like a ton but for a business like the Common it isn't make or break, I would argue (open to being corrected though). I agree with the sentiment that if you make patio space free (or virtually free) you just end up with a bunch of empty patios because a number of restos will just set them up because, why not. I'm sure not all restaurant owners would agree with me on this, but I think most would agree that the speed of permitting is a far bigger issue. I know of new restaurants/bars that have been waiting months (many months) for city permits to come through while they are paying full rent on their space, waiting to open. We are talking tens of thousands of dollars potentially lost from those delays, not $3.5k over a summer.

 

[policyenthusiast]

I'm far more worried about the speed of permitting than the cost. $3,700 may sound like a ton but for a business like the Common it isn't make or break, I would argue (open to being corrected though). I agree with the sentiment that if you make patio space free (or virtually free) you just end up with a bunch of empty patios because a number of restos will just set them up because, why not. I'm sure not all restaurant owners would agree with me on this, but I think most would agree that the speed of permitting is a far bigger issue. I know of new restaurants/bars that have been waiting months (many months) for city permits to come through while they are paying full rent on their space, waiting to open. We are talking tens of thousands of dollars potentially lost from those delays, not $3.5k over a summer.

I wonder why licensing permits aren't automated. Clearly we have the technology, as development permits get processed like that.

 

[IanO]

The City has done a good job at expediting small/minor patios, but larger, more complex ones (especially on road right of way) and with alcohol service do tend to take a bit longer.

 

[Didama]

yes and not just talking patios either. Opening a new restaurant or bar should be facilitated by the city, but it often seems like they make it unnecessarily difficult. But to be clear, I don't think this is a problem that is unique to Edmonton.