Two new local businesses charged for flouting COVID laws

The City of Hamilton has added two more businesses to its list of those charged with flouting COVID rules.

Your Shawarma on Stone Church Road East and Village Barbers on King Street East, both in Stoney Creek, were charged last week for violations of the city's face-covering bylaw and the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA) respectively.

Your Shawarma was charged Nov. 19 for failing to post mandatory face covering" signage at its entrance. Village Barbers was charged Nov. 18 for failing to comply with the province's face covering requirements.

The city started naming businesses charged with breaking COVID laws last week after public outrage following news an unnamed business had egregiously flouted laws.

The city updates their online list once a week on Mondays. The charges may be challenged in court.

Since Nov. 13, six businesses have been charged.

ROA charges come with $750 fines.

Katrina Clarke is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: katrinaclarke@thespec.com