City of Vancouver suspends business licence of downtown Tim Hortons after repeated COVID-19 bylaw noncompliance

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      The City of Vancouver announced Friday afternoon (March 27) that it has suspended the business licence of a downtown Tim Hortons restaurant because of noncompliance with the city's State of Emergency bylaw to combat the spread of COVID-19.

      The suspension, to last three days, came on Thursday (March 26) after city inspectors visited the Tim Hortons at 108 West Pender Street four times and issued several warnings, according to a post on the city's Twitter account.

      After the city declared a state of emergency on March 19, all sit-down dining establishments were ordered closed by Mayor Kennedy Stewart as of midnight, March 20. Those able to offer takeout and delivery service were allowed to remain open, with social-distancing protocols in place for employees and those who pick up food.

      The city noted on Twitter that inspectors have the power to write tickets that can result in the imposition of hefty fines.

      "Individuals and businesses found to be in violation of a City order issued under the State of Emergency bylaw are liable for fines of up to $50,000."

      The city added that it has not issued any such tickets or fines yet.

      In another tweet, the city noted that it has received 80 complaints through its 3-1-1 number about noncompliant restaurants and personal-service establishments such as hair salons that had been ordered closed by the provincial health officer.

      It also said it had visited more than 5,800 restaurants and 1,000 other businesses to confirm compliance with the city and provincial orders.

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