LIFE IN THE BUBBLE
Two diners enjoy lunch Monday inside a heated dome on the sidewalk outside the Tiramisu Bistro. The province imposed tighter COVID-19 health restrictions Friday that prohibit indoor dining at restaurants, bars and cafes.
A north Edmonton pub has been forced to close indoor dining by Alberta Health Services after defying COVID -19 public health orders over the weekend.
On Friday, the owners of the Crown and Anchor Pub and Grill posted a notice to social media stating they would stay open for indoor dining the same day new public health orders came into effect that only allow patio dining, takeout, curbside pickup and delivery.
“We are simply trying to make an honest living and do not make this decision lightly,” stated Theresa Shaw and Terry Shaw, owners of the pub located off Castle Downs Road.
However, Alberta Health Service's (AHS) environmental public health staff conducted a visit to the pub Saturday afternoon in response to claims the establishment was not complying with the COVID-19 restrictions implemented the day before.
As a result of non-compliance, a closure order was issued to cease dine-in services, AHS spokesman Kerry Williamson said Monday.
“The risks posed by people and businesses choosing to defy public health orders are very real, particularly given the rise in cases involving more contagious variants,” Williamson said.
“AHS always seeks to work collaboratively with Albertans to ensure compliance with CMOH orders and COVID -19 restrictions. It is only when significant risk is identified or continued non-compliance is noted that AHS resorts to enforcement action.”
He said the health authority continues to urge everyone to follow the public health restrictions and, in doing so, outbreaks and the pandemic as a whole will be brought under control faster.
Then, in a separate letter posted on the pub's Facebook page Saturday, the Shaws said they were completely closing the Crown and Anchor after receiving threats online and through phone calls.
“We feel the decision to close is the safest and wisest move for our staff, business and property because having that one per cent of the people that did not support us by threatening us verbally or on social media,” the statement read.
Safety for staff and patrons is of the “utmost importance,” the owners added.
The Shaws plan to reopen on Wednesday.