Hamilton businesses find new vaccine rules embraced by ‘vast majority’
On the first day of Ontario's proof-of-vaccination program, Hamilton businesses are feeling mixed emotions about the provincial mandate.
Some say they hope to see once-uneasy patrons return, while others have made changes to their operations to prevent any discrimination."
As of Wednesday, Ontarians are now required to present proof-of-vaccination and proof of identity to enter a number of indoor public settings, including gyms, cinemas and restaurants.
Until the provincial enhanced vaccine certificate is complete, residents can present either a digital or printed copy of their vaccine receipt.
Speaking to The Spectator, Reid Monk, owner of Gravity Climbing Gym, said a vast majority" of their members are supportive of the mandate, with hundreds of patrons having already submitted their immunization receipts to be kept on file.
But they have heard some dissent" from members, Monk said.
I've had all ranges ... from perfectly lucid to full-blown flying saucers," said Monk. We've had a small number of incidents where people have lied about having (their vaccine) and for various reasons, refusing to offer the proof."
Monk said they've also had a small number" of people who have or are threatening to cancel their memberships at the Frid Street climbing gym.
A handful of Hamilton restaurants, including Martello and the Mule, shared their COVID policies on social media, with the latter receiving hundreds of comments spanning from supportive remarks to customers stating their displeasure with the rules.
In an Instagram post, the Mule wrote that they would not be accepting any exemptions" for indoor dining, meaning unvaccinated patrons would have to order takeout or sit on the patio.
Shame on you," wrote one user. Supported your business through the lockdowns but will no longer support you, or any other business that is going to discriminate against your customers."
Other local restaurants, including Real Burger in Waterdown and Tracie's Place on the Mountain, have decided to close their indoor bar and dining areas, citing the mandate.
This decision doesn't come lightly," wrote Tracie's Place in a Facebook post. We are saddened to share that we feel we've been put between a rock and a hard place with this new mandate."
In an Instagram post, Real Burger wrote that they too would be closed for indoor dining to prevent any discrimination and to make sure that all our customers are equally treated."
In a news conference Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford pleaded with Ontarians to have patience with businesses and front-line staff as they work to implement the program.
They've gone through so much during this pandemic and deserve our support," said Ford.
At the Playhouse Cinema, manager Jacob Tutt said despite the mandate meaning some extra work for staff, they're happy to have it in place. Their regular customers have also been supportive," he noted.
Tutt said they're also hopeful to see the return of patrons that stopped coming out to the cinema amid the pandemic due to health concerns.
Going into an atmosphere where everyone has their two shots is definitely going to provide reassurance for them ," said Tutt. I think all of our patrons understand and want proof-of-immunization as a part of their public activities."
At Fit Barre on Main Street East, owner Sarah Johnson said they had a client return to the studio for the first time in 18 months on Wednesday.
She now feels more comfortable with the fact that it's a regulation and that the people working out beside her are vaccinated," said Johnson.
Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com