Some people just never learn.
Officers from 22 Division have been busy checking some area bars, restaurants and cafes after complaints of booze being sold to patrons awaiting their take-out orders.
The Ontario government last March 17 declared a State of Emergency to help contain the spread of COVID-19, which meant only take-out food can be served in restaurants and coffee shops, which were ordered to remove their tables so customers cannot gather to avoid spreading the virus.
Also shut were parks, recreation centres, private schools, public libraries, bars, movie theatres, concert venues and places of worship until March 30, at least.
“It has been pretty hectic in dealing with some establishments,” says Sgt. Lhawang JongDong, of the Community Response Unit.
Police say a number of establishments have been charged under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
Officers say the enforcement effort is to protect the public and reduce the harmful spread of COVID-19.
The establishments have been charged with; fail to comply with an order made during declared emergency, obstruct any person exercising a power in accordance with an order made during declared emergency and obstruct any person performing a duty in accordance with an order made during declared emergency.
The fines if convicted range from $880 to $1,130.
Police plan to continue their crackdown until the Ontario government lifts the emergency order.