'Don’t berate the staff': Windsor businesses and patrons adopt vaccine certificates
Starting Wednesday, ‘non-essential’ businesses like restaurants, gyms, cinemas and sporting venues across the province are being asked to check proof of vaccination for all customers.
Managers at Cramdon’s Tap and Eatery in South Windsor rolled out their verification program and are prepared to ask customers for their certificate, coupled with matching government issued identification.
“When new rules come down and are in place, we roll with the punches and do what we can do keep the general safety of all our customers and guests at heart,” says Kristian Neill, the general manager at Cramdon’s.
The ownership group posted an open letter to patrons on their Facebook page, asking them to comply with the rules, indicating they have come down from the province and the restaurants have no choice but to comply — or close down.
Neill explains that on top of big fines for businesses, the restaurant’s liquor licence is also on the line — and that’s not something it can afford to lose.
”It’s not our decision to make, and we’re not discriminating against anyone,” says Neill, adding he stands by everyone’s rights to be vaccinated or remain unvaccinated.
“We’re just a business trying to keep our employees afloat,” he says. “Don’t berate the staff or make them feel less of a person. They’re just doing their jobs at the end of the day.”
Same thing goes for Refine Fitness in Walkerville, which started checking its patrons’ vaccine status this morning.
Owner Mike Bates says his clients are mostly getting personal training services, and by-and-large, expect the fitness centre to keep the health and safety of guests top of mind.
“I don’t believe we have any other choice in this matter to protect our clients and our staff,” Bates says. “I believe that the passport is the next step in what we have to do.”
Bates adds he also required all staff to get double-vaccinated, a decision which he says resulted in one of his valued employees getting let go.
“This is the reality, I think,” he says. “I’m not happy about it, but I don’t know what other choice we have.”
At least one Windsor resident planned ahead for the day, shrinking her full-page vaccine receipt down small enough to fit in her wallet, and took it to Staples to get laminated.
”Instead of showing the little thermal papers or the giant sheet you got from the pharmacy, it just made sense to have a little card available,” says Jenifer Ahlberg, whose husband took it for a test run at a Tim Horton’s Wednesday morning.
“Life favours the prepared and this was a turnaround for most, but it took 15 minutes to do,” she says. “You print it at home, bring it to Staples and five minutes later, you have two cards.”
Premier Doug Ford — who was initially against the idea of vaccine certification to enter non-essential businesses — says he recognizes some people don’t like the process, but says it’s necessary right now.
“I truly believe that this tool, these certificates, they’re the best chance we have to get through these coming months without moving backwards,” Premier Ford says.
The province has indicated it will shift to a QR code, app based process by Oct. 22.
Although Premier Ford wasn’t able to provide a certain date for when the certification process will be phased out, he says it’s a “temporary and exceptional measure.”
“We will only use these certificates as long as they’re needed, and not one minute longer,” Ford says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in father's drowning, told police he was baptizing him
A Massachusetts man who told police he was exorcising a demon and performing a baptism when he shoved his father's head under water multiple times has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.