Tale of 2 tea houses: Differing approaches to vaccine passport in High River, Alta.
Two tea houses in one southern Alberta community have become an example of the uncertainty caused by the government allowing businesses to make up their own minds about what is essentially a vaccine passport.
Restaurants, bars and pubs have been debating whether they will require a vaccination record before patrons are allowed to enter or if they will limit them to patios and takeout.
Last week, Premier Jason Kenney brought in a “restrictions exemption program” that allows owners to operate with almost no COVID-19 rules as long as they ask for proof of vaccination. Those that choose not to must abide by stricter public health rules.
The United Conservative government has been criticized for downloading the decision. Critics say it causes confusion and forces compliant businesses to face the wrath of anti-vaccination customers.
In High River, a town of about 14,500 just south of Calgary, it's led to a tale of two tea houses.
Tracey Worsley and her daughter, Rebecca, opened The British Teahouse just eight weeks ago. They've decided to close their doors to indoor dining.
"We believe everybody has a choice and it's not right that businesses should have to make that choice," Worsley said in a phone interview.
"The government should make the decision like they did last time."
The Noble Teahouse has been open a year after extensive redecorating of the 113-year-old home.
Operations manager Joelene Smart said it was a hard decision to require the passport but there was little choice.
"It just pulled on my heart a little bit. I'm good with the decision we made, but it's just not very inclusive."
Smart said she had a lot of discussions with customers last week and most were supportive, but she agrees with Worsley that businesses shouldn't have had to make the decision.
"Something needs to happen. I don't really know what it is, but it's just sad. It's causing unrest between families and friendships and businesses. I hope it doesn't last very long."
Calgary city council took matters into its own hands this week by passing a bylaw making vaccine proof mandatory for all non-essential businesses, with fines for violators. That new rule began Thursday.
"This bylaw will create a level playing field for business in Calgary and provide clear guidance on how to apply the requirement for proof of vaccination or negative COVID test," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi.
Worsley said she'll watch customer traffic for the next couple of weeks, but if business doesn't go well, she might be forced to opt into the program.
She said it's a difficult decision either way.
"No matter which way you choose to go, you're going to upset people and you're not going to please everybody. But ... the way I was brought up, everybody in life has a choice. "Unfortunately, at the moment, choices are being taken away."
It remains to be seen if Edmonton will follow Calgary's move.
"We obviously saw what happened in Calgary. We're taking a look at that decision right now," said city spokesman Geoffrey Driscoll.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 23, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in father's drowning, told police he was baptizing him
A Massachusetts man who told police he was exorcising a demon and performing a baptism when he shoved his father's head under water multiple times has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.