A Port Moody councillor says city businesses shouldn’t have to pay additional fees so they can expand their spaces to accommodate physical distancing requirements during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
And Coun. Steve Milani hopes his colleagues on city council agree.
Milani is hoping to introduce a recommendation at tonight’s meeting of council that will exempt Port Moody businesses currently operating in the city from having to pay additional license or permit fees as they expand their spaces or add additional locations.
“One of the most important ways to help slow down the spread of the disease is through social/physical distancing,” Milani said, adding that can present an additional financial burden to businesses already struggling through the public health emergency.
Milani said opening an adjunct location can add hundreds of dollars of additional fees for things like city-mandated fire and building inspections, on top of more rent, insurance and utilities.
Similarly, restaurants, cafés, breweries and pubs looking to create outdoor patio space are also required to pay additional permit fees, even if inspections aren’t needed.
“This additional space is merely an attempt to survive during these trying times,” Milani said. “The goal is to eliminate the additional fees.”
Milani added all necessary inspections would still take place.
“Supporting local businesses during their reopening and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial to help ensure their viability,” Milani said, adding businesses that have already paid the additional fees should be refunded.
