🕘 5 min read

On January 20, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, released details of steps to cautiously and gradually ease public health measures at the end of the month.

Instead of having to sift through pages and pages of government documents, here’s a quick-and-easy guide for both public and industry regarding the province’s “easing of restrictions while maintaining protective measures,” with regards to food and drink businesses.

Discover all the changes – reopening of indoor dining at 50 per cent capacity, no more contract tracing, hour restrictions regarding the service or sale of alcohol, food and drink allowed at sporting events again, buffets are back, and much more.

Effective January 31, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. Ontario will begin the process of gradually easing restrictions, while maintaining protective measures, including but not limited to:

Restaurants, bars, meetings and event spaces

Capacity limits

50 per cent capacity limit. Businesses must post maximum capacity.

10 people per table maximum. Exception for customers who live in the same household. 

Physical distancing is not required in settings where proof of vaccination is required.

Proof of vaccination

Proof of vaccination is mandatory to enter indoor settings - takeout delivery, and drive-throughs excepted. Businesses must screen individuals prior to entry.

Proof of vaccination now requires an enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code. Individuals can download their QR code certificate from the provincial vaccine portal – no app required.

If you have a green health card:

If you are fully vaccinated, have an active medical exemption or are a participant in an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial, visit ontario.ca/getproof to learn how to get your enhanced vaccine certificate with official QR code. Vaccine receipts without a QR code are no longer accepted , with limited exceptions. Note: Expired cards are accepted.

If you have a red and white health card:

Call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (Open daily 8am-6pm) to have your enhanced vaccine certificate emailed or mailed to you.

Learn how to add it to your Android device and Apple Wallet and Health. To print it out, visit your local library or go to a ServiceOntario location.

Businesses: 

Download the Government of Ontario’s Verify Ontario mobile app available for Android and Apple iPhone | iPad to screen patrons.

Contact tracing

Contract tracing is no longer required, but establishments must have a safety plan in place.

Hours of operation

No restrictions on hours of operation or sale/service of liquor.

Buffets

Buffets are permitted. Note: Individuals must be seated when eating or drinking.

Dancing and singing

Dancing, singing and karaoke are no permitted by patrons – exception for workers or performers. Performers must be two metres away from patrons.

Nightclubs, Restobars & Food + Drink Establishments with Dance Facilities

As per ORHMA’s clarification of the rules and regulations: Open indoors if operated solely as a food and drink establishment without dancing and comply with the conditions set out in "restaurants, bars, food trucks, concession stands and other food and drink establishments." Open outdoors subject to restrictions (see regulation).

For measures regarding retailers, shopping malls, concert venues, sporting events, museums, casinos, and other food and drink businesses, see the government’s O. Reg. 364/20: Rules For Areas At Step 3 And At The Roadmap Exit Step.

This is the first step in the easing of restrictions. “In the absence of concerning trends in public health and health care indicators.” Two more are set to follow 21 days apart, on February 21 and March 14, 2022.

Stay tuned for updates.

For more information about COVID-19 and vaccinations, visit the Ontario Health website.

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