Patios with well-behaved patrons could see their hours extended past 11 p.m. as soon as this summer if Vancouver’s mayor gets his way.

A motion before council Wednesday asks staff to work with the city’s bars, restaurants and business improvement associations to figure out how to lengthen hours of operation for patios before the long sunny days are over.

“I would love to see hours extended this summer for good operators, where they’re respecting the neighbourhood, or not impacting the neighbourhood at all, and can stay open a little later,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson, who introduced the motion. “Right now it’s an 11 p.m. shutdown. There’s an immediate step that could happen with our successful patios.”

Because changing the regulations surrounding licensing and hours would require a council decision — and council adjourns Wednesday until the fall — patio extensions could possibly be given out on an ad hoc basis, Robertson said.

During the 2010 Olympics patio hours were extended to 1 a.m.

“We did extend hours for everyone a few years ago, but that’s a lengthier council process, changing regulation,” Robertson said.

“The short-term step is looking at what we can do this summer for good operators to extend their space or hours and enable more patio use.”

There are two categories of patios in Vancouver: large patios, which are normally licensed to serve alcohol, and small patios, which have a few tables and chairs such as outside a café.

As of 2012, 317 permits for large patios have been issued, along with 260 permits for small patios. Since January of that year, there have been 120 complaints lodged against businesses with food primary licenses, and 100 against liquor primary licences.

But some aren’t likely to be granted the extension. If the motion passes the city could take a look at the so-called “good neighbour agreements” that manage relations between bars and residents, and the city’s interaction with establishments, which is a “complaints-driven process,” the mayor said.

Should council extend patio hours, there’s a potential for increased complaints if residents are unaware of the changes and phone police to complain at 11:01 p.m.

If they do, VPD could try to educate bar owners on how to minimize the impact on their neighbours and educate the callers on the bylaws, said Sgt. Randy Fincham, spokesman for the Vancouver Police.

“With the warmer weather, with later daylight hours, there’s going to be more conflict between residents and licensed premises that are possibly disturbing their neighbours. And everyone needs to recognize that. Our goal is for everybody to somehow find a way to get along.”

Robertson’s motion also asks staff to report back in the fall with recommendations for long-term changes, such as making the permit process simpler, as well as increased space, longer hours and changes to fence restrictions.

zmcknight@vancouversun.com