Multiple P.A. restaurants have been having issues with the province's proof of vaccination, Spice Trail, Original Joe’s and Humpty’s. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Vaccine Policy

‘Intimidated me, threatened me’: multiple P.A. restaurants have issues with customers over proof of vaccine policy

Oct 5, 2021 | 5:00 PM

Restaurants in Prince Albert are dealing with some pushback from customers over Saskatchewan’s proof of vaccination policy.

Since the start October, people across the province must show they’re double-vaxxed to enter non-essential businesses.

This includes restaurants, nightclubs, bars, taverns, standalone liquor and cannabis stores, cinemas, live-music venues, fitness centres, and gyms.

Sheena Rai, co-owner of the Spice Trail, told paNOW she had an awful experience with customers right after the policy was first announced.

“Kind of intimidated me, threatened me… kind of mocking, these four ladies and one gentleman.”

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Despite this encounter, she doesn’t believe they will have too many problems with unruly guests moving forward.

While not threatened, Humpty’s Family Restaurant has had to deal with some angry individuals.

Co-owner Maria Pornea believes many don’t understand that the Government of Saskatchewan brought in this policy, not them.

“There getting mad with us but it’s not our fault. We’re just following the rules.”

Both restaurants have also seen a big drop in customers.

While few have had to be denied service, the majority have simply avoided coming in.

The same can be said for Original Joe’s as they’ve also experienced a drop in numbers.

“Speaking to businesses, restaurant owners in other provinces, they told us that we were going to have a decline,” said manager Michelle Gordon.

Unlike Spice Trail and Humpty’s, Original Joe’s hasn’t had to deal with any angry customers.

According to Gordon, those they’ve had to turn away have been ‘phenomenal’ about the situation.

For Princess Cafe, who’ve also seen a decrease in customers, they’re hoping to get back to normal as soon as possible.

“Hopefully things will get a little bit better, and people will get out and get their second shot so businesses can get back up to par,” added manager Selwyn Halcro.

Those who aren’t vaccinated can provide a negative COVID-19 test done within the last 72 hours instead.

The cost for all test results will be the individual’s responsibility.

Meanwhile, there’s currently no timeline on when the policy will be lifted.

Saskatchewan’s health sector continues to be hit hard by COVID-19.

As of Tuesday, there are 4,385 active cases across the province with 340 individuals being treated in hospital.

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow