Image Credit: CFJC Today

By James Peters

COVID-19

North Shore restaurant pledges to open for indoor dining, even if it violates provincial order

May 13, 2021 | 1:53 PM

KAMLOOPS — The owner of Minos Greek Restaurant on the Kamloops North Shore says the restaurant will open for indoor dining on May 25 — regardless of if that violates public health restrictions.

B.C.’s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, issued an order in March prohibiting indoor dining as COVID-19 cases skyrocketed throughout B.C. In April, the order was extended to May 25. Dr. Henry has not yet indicated whether the order will be extended beyond that date.

In a social media post, Minos says, “I am done playing their game. They can come and try and shut us down. I will still open the doors. Enough is enough.”

Image Credit: Facebook / Minos Greek Restaurant

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The post goes on to say COVID-19 spread has not been linked to indoor dining and the owner is facing a choice of either opening the dining room “or we shut the place down and move to Greece.”

The owner declined CFJC Today‘s interview request. The social media post has since been deleted.

Speaking to CFJC Today, Interior Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton said she sympathizes with the business, but defying the public health order would be the wrong move.

“I really understand that it’s been hard on businesses and a lot of restaurants have been putting in all of the extra work to pivot to outdoor dining. We recognize that that’s been a burden, but we do have mechanisms in place to enforce the orders as they are because they are so important,” said Fenton.

“It’s really important that all of us follow the public health restrictions because they’re in place for a reason – to protect ourselves and our neighbours,” she added. “We do really require everyone to cooperate and support each other.”

Restaurants are still allowed to operate patio, takeout and delivery service in the interim.