B.C. restaurants, movie theatres concerned about enforcing vaccine passport
Beginning Monday, Sept. 13, many non-essential B.C. businesses will have to ask customers for proof of vaccination.
While the vast majority of British Columbians have had their shots, the service industry is worried staff could be harassed by the small but vocal anti-vaccination minority.
“There is a certain percentage of the population who think the rules don’t apply to them, and they want to make a point of that everywhere they go,” said Jeff Guignard with the Alliance of Beverage Licensees, which represents bars, pubs and nightclubs.
While provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said calling police should not be the first line of defence for businesses, Guignard says staff have to feel supported by law enforcement.
“It’s unacceptable to expect a front line staff member, a 20-year-old host or hostess to be the police on this,” he said. “We need go know that if we call the police about altercations, that there is zero tolerance for any of that bad behaviour, and folks are going to get severe fines and penalties for it.”
Guignard warns if police simply tell the unvaccinated customer to leave, there’s no deterrent to coming back again and again.
The CEO of Landmark Cinemas, Bill Walker, is also worried about his young, front-line workers who will have to ask customers for proof of vaccination.
”We train people to make popcorn, not to act as security professionals,” said Walker. “So ultimately if a guest chooses to take issue with the provincial health regulations, our training to our staff is it is not our job to physically enforce that regulation.”
Guignard says based on other jurisdictions experience, restaurants and pubs could lose 20 per cent of their business because of the vaccine passport, while also being forced to hire extra staff to enforce it.
“So we will be losing money, costing us more on staff while dealing with frustrated patrons,” he said.
Guignard is pleading with customers not to take out their anger on service industry workers.
“You can protest all you want, but it’s not appropriate to protest inside of a business that’s just doing what they are legally required to do,” he said. “We are asking people if you disagree, that’s fine. Just leave the front line staff alone.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
BREAKING City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.