'We're bartenders and servers,' Business owners worry about burden of vaccine certificates
When Ontario's new vaccination requirements come into effect on Wednesday, the onus will be on businesses to handle approving vaccination proof or face possible fines.
But some local business owners feel the responsibility is misplaced.
"We're bartenders and servers. We're not medical professionals," said The Lockerroom owner Dana Parris.
"And it does feel like it's a little bit of a stab to put us in that position," Parris added.
To streamline the process, The Lockerroom in Barrie is working on a homemade, physical vaccine certificate for regulars before the provincial QR code rolls out next month.
"Once we verify that they've been vaccinated, match it with their ID, then we give them their own card, so they don't have to pull out every little document when they come in next time," Parris explained.
The aim is also to prevent awkward encounters.
Parris said they are still hammering out the logistics of who will be tasked with asking for proof of vaccination and when.
"Like most other restaurants in Ontario, we're all struggling. A little short-staffed."
She said that hiring someone to man the door just isn't realistic.
"I really don't have it in the budget. Over the last 18 months, with the amount of shutdowns, we have to hire a security guard to ask everyone when they come in?"
Restaurants and bars aren't the only facilities expected to check vaccine certificates.
Steven Fontaine, general manager with the Barrie Minor Hockey Association, said the government's expectations have caused "confusion."
The province requires parents watching their children playing hockey to be fully vaccinated, but not the kids playing.
However, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) announced earlier this month that all eligible players would be required to be fully vaccinated.
"OMHA will be mandating that all eligible participants involved in minor hockey are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 for the upcoming season. All eligible participants are required to be fully vaccinated by October 31, 2021," it stated in a release.
Fontaine said the OMHA planned to reconvene over the weekend. "We're hoping for a clearer picture early next week."
He said about a dozen players pulled out once the vaccine mandate was announced, and others suddenly felt safe enough to sign up.
Fontaine said if the league's policy changes, it could mean another redrawing of rosters.
Meanwhile, Parris is trying to remain optimistic about the new policy.
"It's better than a lockdown," she concluded.
The province said businesses and patrons could face fines starting at $750 for not following the new vaccination requirements.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
developing Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
Rainfall warnings of up to 80 mm among weather alerts in effect for 6 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres and other alerts have been issued for six Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.