Restaurant association says those opposing proof-of-vaccine policy directing anger at wrong people

Gordon Stewart says if people have an issue, they should take it up with the government

CITYnews\ Chris Halef

Listen to this article

The executive director of the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia says residents who are protesting proof of vaccination policies at local restaurants are directing their anger at the wrong people.

Earlier this month, the province implemented a proof-of-vaccination policy which requires people to be double dosed before they can enjoy most non-essential activities.

Since then, there have been a number of reports of unvaccinated people being difficult with restaurant employees and in one incident, a protest on Argyle Street preventing access to restaurants in the area.

Gordon Stewart told CityNews 95.7’s The Todd Veinotte Show it’s a very selfish act.

“They’re really hurting the wrong people,” he said. “Restaurants didn’t make that law, they didn’t make that mandate and they didn’t make the ruling. It’s done by government, so if you want to change it then you really should be protesting against the government.”

Stewart says these unruly residents are adding unnecessary stress.

“The damage they’re doing is just hurting restaurants that are already hard done,” said Stewart. “They’re putting workers on the frontline who are having to deal with that and it’s just unfair and unsafe.”

Stewart says they have asked for one-time monetary assistance from the provincial government to help restaurants effectively enforce the proof-of-vaccination policy. He adds they have yet to receive a definitive answer on that request.

Recently, Premier Tim Houston urged residents who are not on board with the new proof-of-vaccination policy to stop taking it out on workers trying to enforce the measure, adding they should instead direct their concerns to the government.