diff --git a/app/__main__.py b/app/__main__.py
index 645f6ee..a7a1a32 100644
--- a/app/__main__.py
+++ b/app/__main__.py
@@ -14,10 +14,8 @@ except BaseException:
 
 from app.core._utils.create_maria_tables import create_db_tables
 from app.core.storage import engine
-if startup_target == '__main__':
-    # Ensure DB schema exists (async engine)
-    asyncio.get_event_loop().run_until_complete(create_db_tables(engine))
-else:
+if startup_target != '__main__':
+    # Background services get a short delay before startup
     time.sleep(7)
 
 from app.api import app
@@ -92,6 +90,9 @@ if __name__ == '__main__':
 
         app.ctx.memory._app = app
 
+        # Ensure DB schema exists using the same event loop as Sanic
+        app.add_task(create_db_tables(engine))
+
         app.add_task(execute_queue(app))
         app.add_task(queue_daemon(app))
         app.add_task(uploader_bot_dp.start_polling(app.ctx.memory._telegram_bot))