Cobourg police have charged a local business under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
On Saturday, May 23, 2020 at approximately 6 p.m. police responded to a business in the downtown core “after receiving information” a business was in contravention of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
Information received indicated the business had opened their outdoor patio for customer service.
Today’s Northumberland reached out to the business proprietor who was charged under the Provincial Offences Act with failing to Comply with an Order Made During a Declared Emergency.
Joe Jukes is owner of “Shuck it” located at 92 King Street West said a officer came into the restaurant wearing no gloves or mask.
“We had a “do not enter” sign on the door and she casually walked in and handed out a ticket,” said Jukes.
The officer said they received a text stating the restaurant wasn’t allowed to be open and they had to issue a ticket.
The ironic part is, at the time the business received the fine, there was no one on the patio.
“We went through the guidelines, we had three tables, we could have six and we had two seats at each table.”
Total occupancy for the patio would have been six people.
As required by law, Jukes said no one was allowed in the restaurant other than to get take-out. It was patio service only.
“We’re just trying to make a buck, trying to survive.”
“I think it makes people feel better when they see a patio thinking things are getting better.”
The restaurant since December 23, 2019 and Saturday was the first day the patio had been open.
“It cost us probably $650 just to get it set up, to buy flowers, plants and dividers for the tables and we end up getting a ticket for over $800.”
Juke said it would have been more reasonable to give a warning but, “we’ll fight it in court.”
The restaurant specializes in oysters, clam bake, steak and pasta and remains open for take-out orders.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
