Hamilton bar Bad & Boujee receives record-setting 9 tickets at once for COVID-19 infractions
CBC
A bar in downtown Hamilton has received a record-setting nine tickets for COVID-19 infractions.
Bad & Boujee, whose Facebook page says it offers "unique" food and beverages such as crocodile and "smoking bong cocktails," was ticketed on Oct. 23, according to the city's webpage that tracks businesses charged under COVID-19 regulations and local bylaws.
City staff confirmed that's the highest number of charges for a business on a single day.
Each of the nine alleged offences were for failing to comply with orders under the Reopening Act of Ontario (ROA):
Bad & Boujee owner Ken Saburn said the bylaw officers who handed out the tickets never entered the building.
Instead, he wrote in an email to CBC, they wrote the bar up from outside and asked the bartender to come out and receive the charges.
"They said 'they had done an investigation' but when asked what investigation they could not say," Saburn said.
According to the owner, the bar had a bouncer checking for proof-of-vaccine at the door and making sure people signed in.
He also said masks and hand sanitizer were also on hand for anyone who needed it.
"Before holding someone accountable you need to train them," wrote Saburn. "We are expected to go searching for new information daily, meanwhile nothing is ever communicated directly to the restaurants."
Asked about Saburn's statements about the steps his staff were taking to stop the spread of COVID-19, a spokesperson for the city said bylaw could not share any further information on its investigation as the charges are before the courts.
Keanin Loomis, CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged it's been a "tough ride" for businesses during the pandemic.
While it has been hard to keep up with the regulations at times, the situation has settled in recent months and things are loosening rather than tightening, he said.
"Most businesses have been following the rules," said Loomis, adding at this point you have to "go out of your way" not to abide by COVID-19 regulations.
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