Food Premises and Events

WDGPH Section 22 Class Order 

Effective 12:01 a.m. on July 17, 2020, Dr. Nicola Mercer issued an updated class order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act for Stage 3 of the Ontario Framework for Reopening our Province. An establishment falling within the scope of this Order (including restaurants/bars/taverns) is required to make the best efforts in respect of the requirements if the Order. In complying with the best efforts requirements, owners and operators shall not require employees or members of the public to provide proof that they qualify for any of the exemptions set out in Section 1 of the Order. 

Persons must wear their face covering inside the establishment (including bars/taverns) at all times, unless it is reasonably required to temporarily remove the face covering for services provided by they establishment. For example, a face covering can temporarily be removed while eating or drinking. 

WDGPH Guidance Documents

Ministry Guidance Documents

As part of the provinces Stage 3 of reopening, the Ontario Government announced the following food services are permitted to reopen within Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health on Friday, July, 17, 2020 at 12:01am:

For specific details on Restaurants, bars and nightclubs please refer to page 18 of A Framework for Reopening our Province – Stage 3 that outlines the following details:

  • All restaurants, bars, concession stands, and other food and drink establishments may open for indoor dine-in.
  • Nightclubs are not yet safe to open, except for the purpose of serving food or drinks to patrons in accordance with the conditions that apply to restaurants and bars.
  • All patrons must be seated when eating or drinking at the establishment.
  • Establishments must take appropriate measures to ensure physical distancing of at least two metres between patrons from different tables, unless separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier.
  • Buffet-style service is not yet permitted in Stage 3.
  • Singing or music may be performed by a person or group at the restaurant or bar, with restrictions, including barriers between the performers and patrons and physical distancing. Dancing may only be performed by someone working at the establishment with restrictions.
  • Karaoke is permitted only outside of private karaoke rooms, which are not yet permitted to open in Stage 3, with restrictions including barriers, physical distancing and increased cleaning and disinfecting.
  • Physical distancing of two metres between patrons from different households or social circles also continues to apply to food trucks, food courts, concession stands and tours, including tastings at wineries, breweries and distilleries.

Please refer to the WDGPH COVID-19 Guidance for Restaurants and other Food Premises for more details.

Reopening Ontario: Frequently asked questions about Stage 3 - Restaurants, Bars, and Nightclubs

The Ontario Government provided  A Framework for Reopening our Province – Stage 2.  Please review the sections that refer to reopening requirements for your specific food premise. Reopening details relating to food service in Restaurants and Bars:​​

Ontario resources related to food services

While continuing to ensure compliance with Ontario Regulation 493 Food Premises, please also review to the following resources to assist with business reopening:

Public Health Agency of Canada

In the Workplace

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings

As a business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure, prior to reopening, that you have met the requirements as outlined in the information and resources provided above. Once you have the required precautions and plans in place (and you fall within the select food services permitted to reopen), you are permitted to reopen as of Friday, June 12, 2020 at 12:01am.  Please also be aware that Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is unable to review individual business reopening plans.  An inspection of your facility will occur in the near future, based on risk assessments and Public Health Inspector capacity and availability as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Due to the volume of calls and questions we receive, we may be unable to respond to questions in a timely manner.  Please make all efforts to thoroughly review the information and resources provided above.

If, after reviewing the resources available, you have additional questions, you can contact a public health inspector at 519-822-2715 extension 4753 or PHI.Intake@wdgpublichealth.ca