20+ bars and restaurants in Vancouver stayed open on St. Patrick's Day

On Monday, Mayor Kennedy Stewart announced that bars and restaurants in Vancouver’s downtown core would be required to shut down for St. Patrick’s Day in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19.

This order was soon expanded to include all bars and restaurants across the city by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).

Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Patricia Daly required that “all restaurants, bars, lounges, and similar venues throughout the City of Vancouver close their doors,” on March 17.

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Today at the City’s Special Council meeting, Mayor Kennedy Stewart noted that the VPD reported over 20 businesses remained open on St. Patrick’s Day despite the order.

Now the City has called on bars, restaurants to close if unless they can order takeout or delivery services.

City Manager Sadhu Johnston said that when it comes to restaurants and bars that aren’t abiding by these orders, they’ll likely be pursuing them on a case-by-case basis, going to the businesses and providing an order versus providing orders to all businesses across the city at once.

With coronavirus on the rise, BC public health authorities are reminding individuals who attend events and large gatherings to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. Also, due to unexpected cancellations, please check the event you plan to attend is still taking place. Keep up with COVID-19 news here.