“Very, very selfish”: NS Restaurant Association criticizes protesters for proof of vaccination | The Canadian News

After more than a year of dealing with closings and layoffs, restaurant workers now face another challenge: asking for proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

On Friday night, a group of people rallied against the proof of vaccination requirements on Argyle Street in Halifax, a popular place to dine in the city.

At times, the protest prevented access to area restaurants, prompting the East of Grafton restaurant to post a post on its Instagram page showing staff “standing on a Friday night” during the protest.

“This type of demonstration hurts local small businesses and their employees first,” the publication said.

Gordon Stewart, executive director of the Nova Scotia Restaurant Association, agreed. He said it is “sad” to see Nova Scotians act this way.

“From a personal point of view, I think it’s very, very selfish. They are all about themselves. They don’t care about their community, they don’t care about other people’s health, ”he said.

“Somehow they think their rights have been trampled on, but these are the same people who wear seat belts, and they are the same people who travel on the right side of the road. … They just chose this particular thing, and it’s a very selfish thing, revolving around me. “

‘That’s not fair’

In a statement, the Halifax Regional Police said officers responded to the area at 6:20 pm Friday, where a group of people were “sitting on the road and eating.”

Officers remained at the scene to monitor the group and make sure protesters were not blocking commercial entrances. The group disbanded around 8:30 pm No arrests were made or fines issued for summary crimes.

“Our approach remains a combination of education and enforcement, and we will apply it as needed,” the statement said.

Nova Scotia Prime Minister Tim Houston has urged people not to blame or harass restaurants for proof of vaccination mandate, telling them during a recent COVID-19 briefing to “turn the bird” if they have a problem with it, instead of taking it out. on staff.

It’s “a good message,” Stewart said, “but I think it has to be a lot more difficult than words.”

“I don’t care if they protest, that’s not the problem. When you interrupt people and make employees nervous, it’s not fair. It is not fair to the employees, it is not fair to the owner of the company, ”he said.

“It is the mandate of the province and we have to execute it.”

Stewart said he would like to see a more proactive approach by the province and the police in terms of enforcing the mandate and ensuring that access to restaurants is not impeded.

Paul MacKinnon, executive director of the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, tweeted a photo of the protest sent to him on Friday night, with the caption: “Not great.”

MacKinnon, who saw part of the rally after police arrived, said it is “unfortunate” that restaurants are the target of a policy enacted by the provincial government.

“They are just following the law, in the same way that they would look for proof of identification for someone under the age of 19 who wants to order a drink,” he said.

MacKinnon, like Houston, urged people to discuss their concerns with the provincial government rather than with restaurant workers.

“They want their voice to be heard and they want to be in a public place that is visible, but they really shouldn’t be trying to negatively impact businesses,” he said.

“Businesses have suffered throughout this pandemic, particularly the restaurant sector. I don’t think that’s the way to be more effective in your messages. “

MacKinnon said he has generally not heard any pushback from the restaurant industry about the vaccine mandate test itself, although there are concerns that it will draw protesters.

Another bump in the road

Stewart of the restaurant association said that while it creates an “additional burden” on staff and employees, the vaccine requirement is a “necessary step” to keep restaurants safe, especially considering the COVID-19 situation. in other provinces, including neighboring New Brunswick.

“The last thing our industry wants to do is shut down again. That would be devastating, ”he said.

He’s optimistic that more people will accept the rule as time goes on, saying “it’s just a bump for us and people will get used to it.”

Meanwhile, Stewart has a message for people who are considering attending similar protests in the future.

“Stop thinking about yourself. Think of your community, think of other people’s health. “