Here are the new rules coming into effect for Toronto bars and restaurants

If you're drinking or dining out in Toronto today, you'll notice that things will be a little different at bars and restaurants now that they are adhering to the new rules put forth by Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa.

The health expert's recommendations to help curb the transmission of COVID-19 in these settings were approved by City Council last week, and officially went into effect as of Oct. 8.

On top of the other existing pandemic rules and regulations surrounding sanitization, physical distancing, and more, establishments will now have to:

• Limit the total number of patrons permitted to be inside at any one time to 75 (down from 100).
• Maintain a customer log for each patron, not just one person from the party.
• Limit the maximum number of people able to sit at each table, both inside and outside, to six people (down from 10).
• Keep background music and any other background sounds, such as from televisions or other electronic sound producing devices, no louder than the volume of normal conversation (with the exception of live performances carried out in accordance with the provincial Stage 3 regulation).

De Villa also made another spate of suggestions as new case counts in Ontario rise — though per cent positivity remains as low as it was all summer — asking Premier Doug Ford on Oct. 2 to implement lockdown measures such as nixing indoor dining and getting rid of indoor sports. She's also asked that local residents only leave their homes for essential trips.

Ford reiterated that he is not yet ready to impose any further restrictions on bars and restaurants in the province, saying at a press conference earlier this week that such a "willy nilly decision" to close such struggling businesses down further could "ruin thousands and thousands of peoples livelihoods and their life."

To help keep the hospitality industry afloat, the province is considering a bill that would allow eateries to sell alcohol on a takeout basis permanently, while cities like Toronto are doing what they can to help extend patio season year-round.

by Becky Robertson via blogTO