Calgary hospitality businesses say they're facing backlash for provincial decision
Pubs and restaurants say they've been left to take the brunt of the backlash for the province's vaccine passport program, including threats and abuse from would-be guests.
"I've lost a third of my staff because they're not vaccinated," said Jo Lowden, co-owner of the Pig & Duke pubs. "I don't think people realize this is not us mandating this. This is the government being cowards and putting it on us."
Lowden said they are checking proof of vaccination or negative tests, and even went beyond those minimum requirements to make sure all staff were immunized.
She added that the province's vaccine passport rules gives the appearance of a choice for business, when in reality it's no choice at all.
"I mean we can't be open in the fall and winter with 30 seats on the patio, so we don't really have a choice," Lowden says.
A cheeky sign posted at the pub's entrance encourages people to be adults and not put staff in a position where they need to ask would-be customers to leave.
Late Wednesday afternoon the city passed a vaccine mandate bylaw meant to apply a uniform set of requirements and clarify the provincial mandate which many organizations and businesses have complained are difficult to understand.
But the new bylaw won't help businesses outside city limits.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.