BARBEQUE SUPPORTERS outside the eatery were loud and calling for their freedoms not to wear masks to avert a spread of the virus. Photo by Tom Godfrey.
It was like a rally outside Adamson Barbeque in South Etobicoke as a case involving its opening despite a public health order attracted a cast of characters who showed up to protest.
Police for the most part on November 25 were talking to owner Adam Skelly, of the Queen Elizabeth Way restaurant, which advertised on social media that it was opening anyway as other places were forced to close.
News of the opening spread like the virus and next thing public health, police and other officials were at his door.
Skelly, owner of the eatery, was serving customers on Wednesday despite a public health order to close and police inside his premises.
By the end of the day, he was charged nine offences involving public health, reopening his business and other bylaw infractions. None were criminal charges.
Police and public health officials accused him of flouting provincial orders that were put in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
He and his business can face fines in excess of $10,000 for the provincial offences.
Outside the restaurant more than 100 anti-maskers spent the day protesting and calling for their freedom not to wear masks. Many were mocking the assembled media and politicians, including Mayor John Tory and Premier Doug Ford.
On the road a steady stream of vehicles, with music blaring, went back and forth with drivers blowing their horns.
Councillor Mark Grimes said city officials just cannot shut down the facility and will have to look at other options.
The barbeque hut had a Public Health sign posted on the front window stating it is closed.
Toronto Police Supt. Dom Sinopoli said on Wednesday that Skelly and the restaurant face nine charges, including violating indoor dining rules, holding an illegal gathering and operating a business without a licence. Four of the charges were laid on Tuesday.
The fine is up to $50,000 for a corporation and up to $25,000 for an individual or officer or director, officials say.
It was only last Monday that Toronto and Peel Region entered a 28-day lockdown, forcing restaurants to close their patios and keep indoor dining rooms shuttered.
Restaurants can only serve takeout or food delivery. Hair, nail, massage and other salons are closed in the 28-day anti-virus closure order.
Skelly, whose company has locations in Etobicoke and Leaside, said small businesses as himself are being singled out as large corporations, as Costco or Walmart, continue to grow and serve customers.