Newmarket’s Lions Pub and Grill was among 34 businesses and one resident charged last week in the continuing enforcement initiative in York Region against violators of COVID-19 public health measures.
The Gorham Street pub faces a fine totalling $880 after Newmarket bylaw enforcement laid a charge for flouting the ‘required to be closed’ rule under the town’s emergency measures bylaw.
Between Monday, Feb. 1 and Sunday, Feb. 7, members of the York Region COVID-19 enforcement task force visited 2,078 businesses across the region, according to spokesperson Patrick Casey today.
“Inspections carried out indicate most businesses and customers in York Region are adhering to COVID-19 safety measures and protocols. However, there were 34 charges laid against residents and businesses and 789 compliance education activities completed,” Casey said.
An East Gwillimbury resident faces a fine totalling $880 after being charged by Aurora bylaw enforcement for attending a social gathering indoors.
In Vaughan, the Costco on New Huntington Road and Kimmberly Interior Designs on Bass Pro Mills Drive were each fined $880 by Vaughan bylaw enforcement for failing to operate “in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials.”
In Markham, bylaw enforcement charged Dollar Tree on Copper Creek Drive for not tracking capacity, while nail salon D’s Studio on Gibson Drive and Far East Feng Shui and Arts in First Markham Place were charged for being open, with total fines of $880 each.
In Georgina, Pike Chiropractic Healing Centre on Simcoe Avenue in Keswick faces a total fine of $880 for an unspecified failure to comply with orders.
The majority of charges were laid by Markham bylaw officers for missing safety plans.
Since last March 2020, public health inspectors, municipal bylaw officers and other enforcement agencies have completed 39,864 inspections, resulting in 884 charges and 21,412 compliance education activities.
A complete list of charges and closures is available on york.ca/COVID19
