Ontario Putting Limits On Alcohol Sales At Bars, Restaurants, Closing All Strip Clubs
Owen Wolter
Friday September 25th, 2020
This article is 114 days old.
The Ontario government announced Friday that it is closing all strip clubs across the province and putting limits on alcohol sales at bars and restaurants in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.
"Over the past five weeks, Ontario has experienced an increase in the rate of new COVID-19 cases," reads a statement from the province. "Private social gatherings continue to be a significant source of transmission in many local communities, along with outbreak clusters in restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments, including strip clubs, with most cases in the 20-39 age group."
The province is amending the "Rules for Areas in Stage 3" for the following measures to take effect, province-wide, as of 12:01am on Saturday September 26th:
Apply additional measures and restrictions to restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments (including nightclubs) by prohibiting the sale of alcohol after 11:00pm, and prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on the premises after 12:00am until 9:00am (including employees), and requiring establishments to close by 12:00am and remain closed until 5:00am except for takeout or delivery;
Close all strip clubs across the province; and
Require businesses or organizations to comply with any advice, recommendations, and instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on screening for COVID-19, including screening individuals who wish to enter their premises.
"Last week our government took immediate action to respond to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, by setting new limits for certain social gatherings and organized public events across Ontario," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "As the number of cases have continued to rise, it is evident that despite the tremendous efforts of Ontarians further action is required to prevent the spread of the virus. On the advice of Ontario's public health officials, we are moving forward with these measures to help keep Ontarians safe by limiting the potential for exposure in locations where the current risk of transmission is higher, and to avoid future lockdowns."
The province also announced Friday they are encouraging municipalities to increase enforcement of existing businesses, facilities, and workplaces to comply with all public health and workplace safety measures and restrictions in the Stage 3 regulation.
Ontario reported 409 new cases as of Friday.
Ontario is reporting 409 cases of #COVID19 as more than 41,800 tests were completed. Locally, there are 204 new cases in Toronto with 66 in Peel and 40 in Ottawa. 65% of today's cases are in people under the age of 40.
— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) September 25, 2020