Hastings Prince Edward Public Health says it has issued four warnings to restaurants and bars about proof of vaccination requirements since new regulations came into effect on September 22.
The health unit says it was responding to complaints from the public and that no charges have been laid yet.
Officials are using a progressive enforcement approach – first educating businesses about current public health regulations, then warning them and ultimately charging those who still fail to comply.
Through 2021 to date, HPEPH has received a total of 1,745 COVID-19 related enforcement complaints.
There were 1,186 complaints in 2020.
Since March of 2020, ongoing enforcement activities have resulted in 47 COVID-19 related charges being laid.
The bulk of those charges – 27 – were for failure to implement general compliance measures such as no distancing, no masking, no safety plan and not screening staff or patrons.
Fines ranged from $880 to $1,130.
There were also four charges for operating a non-essential business during lockdown/shutdown, an $880 ticket.
There were five charges laid for failure to self-isolate, also an $880 per ticket.
The health unit says there is one obstruction charge that is still before the courts.
Resources for business owners and operators
Local business owners or operators who have questions about current regulations are invited to visit the COVID-19 Resources for Workplaces web page, complete an online form, or call 1-800-267-2803, ext. 677. Guidance to help businesses operate more safely during COVID-19 is also available at Ontario.ca/covidsafety.
Residents who have a concern about non-compliance of COVID-19 guidance, can submit a complaint using the form on the HPEPH website.
