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Yet the pushback from the oldest company, not just in Canada but all of North America, is not likely the last challenge the Ford government will face on lockdown measures. As many as 100 restaurants are said to be considering a mass reopening in defiance of provincial regulations.
Unlike Adamson’s, sources say these restaurants would follow all other public health measures — such as masking, social distancing and reduced capacity — but open their doors in an attempt to survive. Like retailers, restaurants are at their busiest time in November and December but have been closed for indoor dining throughout Toronto and Peel since Oct. 9. Patio dining was forbidden two weeks ago.
Cases have not gone down since the closure of businesses resumed two months ago. In fact, they have only gone up. Industry insiders say companies big and small will be going out of business without the chance to reopen or receive adequate support.
In a news release issued shortly after the papers were filed with the court, The Bay pointed to the government’s own data that shows retail shopping is not known to be a cause of COVID-19 spread.
“The Ontario Government’s health data shows that retail shoppers are not contributing to COVID-19 spread in any significant way,” the company said. “On behalf of thousands of large and small retailers in Toronto and Peel, we have been left with no choice but to ask the Court to recognize the unfairness of the current situation.”
