'A double standard': bar owners furious as capacity increases for stadiums and theatres
Theatres and stadiums can soon operate at full capacity, it was announced Thursday, marking the latest step in Quebec's gradual return to normalcy.
But the announcement has sparked outrage among bar owners, some of whom accuse the government of favouring large venues over small, independent ones.
"Once again, this coveted relief excludes bar owners: the government is acting with a double standard!" reads a press release by a Quebec bar owners' association (CPBBTQ) and bar tenants' union (UTBQ).
The bar industry suffered tremendously after businesses were forced to shutter their doors last year to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Although bars, breweries and taverns have since reopened, they can only operate at a 50 per cent capacity, restricted hours and a vaccine passport.
"I was already hoping [to see] some progress, especially since they imposed the passport on us, without giving us anything in return," the owner of Montreal nightclub Le Belmont told CTV News.
When asked why the new capacity measures do not yet apply to these businesses, the provincial health ministry said it's trying to be as careful as possible.
"For the time being, public health has allowed for relaxations in places where there is a low transmission rate," reads the ministry's statement.
The situation will continue to be monitored, the statement concludes.
As of Oct. 8, large venues must follow certain criteria in order to pack a full house. In most cases, assigned seating and vaccine passports will be required, and masks must be worn at all times, except when eating or drinking.
But the CPBBTQ and UTBQ say this latter rule is what makes the distinction between bars and large venues irrelevant.
"People will be able to remove their masks when they consume drinks or food: what is the difference with bar patrons, who are obliged to sit down and can only remove their masks when they consume a drink?"
Current restrictions prohibit bar customers from leaving their tables, but they may remove their masks once seated.
In the eyes of the CPBBTQ and UTBQ, bar owners are being discriminated against as a result of these new rules.
"It is inconceivable that the government allows giants such as the Bell Centre and the NHL teams to make millions of dollars in revenue, while it allows small Quebec entrepreneurs such as bar owners to die one by one due to the ostracism of which they are victims."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Murder charges filed against U.S. woman who crashed into building hosting birthday party, killing 2 kids
A Michigan woman was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder and other crimes after prosecutors say she drunkenly smashed her SUV into a boat club that was hosting a birthday party, killing two young siblings and injuring several other people.
Toronto's police chief clarifies initial statement on Umar Zameer acquittal, says he 'accepts' jury's finding
Toronto's Chief of Police has clarified a statement that he'd hoped for "a different outcome" made just after Umar's Zameer acquittal, telling reporters Tuesday he supports and accepts the jury's finding in the five-week trial.