Bars and restaurants scramble to prepare for Alberta’s vaccine exemption program
Some restaurants and bars in Edmonton are scrambling to prepare for business under the province’s restriction exemption program that starts Monday.
Businesses will need to ask for proof of immunization or a negative COVID-19 test result from a private company from within 72 hours, or operate at a reduced capacity.
The province announced the restrictions Wednesday evening and some business owners, while they understand the need for the measures, say the sudden change is only adding to their plate.
“For us to stay alive, we have to implement the vaccine program,” said Rajaa Berro, PM Lounge owner.
Unlike other provinces who announced vaccine passports, Alberta gave businesses only a few days notice.
“I am thankful that I have the option to stay open,” Berro said. “That, right now, is more important than anything… If that upsets some customers, I’m sorry.
“I’ve already heard from a couple customers on a regular basis, that I won’t see them for a while,” Berro added.
To better prepare for the new restrictions, PM Lounge hoped to hire more staff to check immunization records but it can’t afford to — especially after the restriction from two weeks ago that alcohol not be served past 10 p.m. that unfairly impacted bars and restaurants, Berro said.
The official opposition is pushing for a new grant program to give businesses now on the frontlines of enforcement of the new measures adequate support.
“We have to provide support for these businesses once again because a lot of them are just barely hanging on,” said Rachel Notley, NDP leader. “There’s a lot of different ways in which (these new measures) can incur costs.”
Fleisch Delikatessen has been asking for proof of immunization for weeks.
“We know our community well, we know it’s what they want,” co-owner Katy Ingraham told CTV News Edmonton. “Not every business will have that.”
Ingraham said many restaurants have been reaching out to her for advice, including how to deal with pushback.
The local eatery had anti-vaccine proponents flood its online reviews with negativity due to their implementation of the measure.
“Hang in there and ride it out,” Ingraham added. “With more of us (implementing the measure) that’s not going to continue very long.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.