Olds, Alta. restaurant backs down, removes anti-restrictions sign
An Olds, Alta. restaurant, within 24 hours of posting a sign suggesting it would not comply with the UCP government's latest COVID-19 restrictions, now says it will abide by the new rules on Monday.
The sign, posted at the Our Flames restaurant in Olds, Alta. on Saturday said it didn't matter whether or not its patrons are vaccinated, unvaccinated or even wearing masks or not – all would be served.
"We will not be asking for personal health information," it continued. "Please be kind to one another!"
The sign was a direct reference to the province's new restrictions on restaurants, bars and other businesses, giving them the choice of complying with its restriction exemption program (REP) or abiding with a laundry list of COVID-19 guidelines that include reduced capacity, curfews on service and more.
However, within 24 hours of images of the sign circulating on social media, Our Flames said on Facebook it would comply with the new rules.
"On Monday, September 20, 2021, we’ve decided to opt into the Restrictions Exemption Program set forth by the Alberta government," it wrote.
"We’ve thought long and hard about what to do come Monday. This pandemic has taken a toll on all of us and our team cannot afford another lockdown. We need to implement these procedures so our staff can maintain a livelihood through all of this."
It asks that anyone who sees the image of the poster on social media not to "call in and harass" workers at the restaurant and instead contact Alberta Health Services (AHS) for responses to any questions they might have.
"We are looking forward to serving you safely and hopefully everything can put behind us very soon. We’ve had enough too."
CTV News reached out to the restaurant for further comment on the signage, but the owners have not responded as of the publication of this story.
AHS has also been contacted for a comment on the situation.
BLACKFALDS, ALTA. REJECTS REP
The Town of Blackfalds said Friday that it would not be adopting the restriction exemption program at all of its facilities on Monday.
Instead, it would reduce the capacity to one-third fire code occupancy and implement social distancing and mandatory face covering requirements.
(Supplied/Town of Blackfalds)
"User groups who will be renting facilities as separate entities will be able to implement the REP for their own events or keep with the one-third capacity at their own discretion," it wrote in a statement on its website.
Youth programming is expected to remain unchanged, the town said, and masks will be required.
Adult fitness classes and programs are postponed for next week until Blackfalds receives further clarification from Alberta Health Services.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.