Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, our local restaurant operators in Etobicoke--Lakeshore have moved quickly to implement new safety protocols and practices, taking action even before public health restrictions were put in place.

A typical restaurant has spent at least $20,000 on training, safety equipment and the implementation of additional procedures to keep their staff and customers safe. Collectively, the Canadian foodservice industry has invested more than $750 million to be able to keep operating in this new normal.

Our local restaurants in Etobicoke--Lakeshore have been calling for data to understand why they are being singled out with heightened restrictions.

Restaurants provide a safe alternative to private gatherings and government should be supporting their efforts to do so wherever possible.

We are calling on the Government of Ontario to make the following changes to the province's COVID-19 response framework:

1) The 10-person and 50-person capacity limits required under the Control-Red and Restrict-Orange levels, respectively, should be replaced with capacity limits that instead allow for a percentage of the establishment's posted capacity. This would enable larger operations to economically justify the staff required to safely offer restricted seating.

2) Floor plans, table sizes, partitions and other relevant configurations should be taken into consideration when setting capacity limits.

3) Whenever restaurants have been permitted to reopen their dining areas, the government should work to ensure they can remain open. Reopening costs and the mental health impacts of constant re-structuring of operations are extremely high.

4) Restaurants should have clear, public recognition from government that they provide safe spaces for Ontarians to enjoy dining services, similar to supportive statements about retail operations.

Only WE can make the change!