Alberta small businesses across the province continue to defy the government’s tightened restrictions openly..For many, it’s do-or-die..Jayson Borthwick, of Medicine Hat’s J Rocks Bar and Grill, said he’s been open for six weeks and doesn’t know if he can fully reopen after the recent public measures begin to relax..“I put everything I’ve had into this place, and I’ve got $10,000 in groceries that will go bad if I shut down for two weeks. I can’t freeze it all,” said Borthwick..He vehemently expressed his frustrations over the Alberta government giving restaurants only three days to make the necessary adjustments. The are supposed to close and noon on Friday..“I have 20 staff members who could be out of a job who may not be eligible for Employment Insurance. This government screwed them over, as they depend on their tips to survive..“They’ve got little ones at home, but what are they going to do now? The $1,800 a month isn’t enough because rent, groceries, bills, a vehicle, and everything adds up.”.On the provincial grants made available by the province, Borthwick remained skeptical over concerns on how he could pay back the loan if the government called for further restrictions..“All that extra cleaning stuff we can purchase costs money, from bleach to hand sanitizers and masks. I have staff members with asthma and anxiety, which prevents them from wearing a mask on and off service,” he said..Borthwick said he hasn’t even applied for the grant. His business “probably didn’t even qualify.”.“This becomes another bill and puts you further in debt,” said Borthwick, who is anxious on the additional $30,000 his small businesses would have had to pay back..However, despite the financial uncertainty, he would stand up for his employees “100 times out of 100”, even if AHS agents come to his business and suspend his license..“If I close the doors, my staff don’t get paid. They’re just as mad about the rollbacks as me,” he said..The Whistle Stop Cafe, in Mirror, led the last restaurant rebellion and said they have no intention to close this time either..“The Whistle-stop Cafe in Mirror alberta (sic) is having the biggest push back against the restrictions that Alberta has ever scene (sic) this weekend Friday April 9 and 10th,” the restaurant wrote on their Facebook page..“Adam skelly from Ontario’s Adamson Barbecue will have his smoker here and be cooking for the whistle stop. Along with that we have bands this weekend. Come out and support the push back against the restrictions. Camping spots are available and booking fast.”.In Medicine Hat, Borthwick would give his staff all the groceries at his restaurant if it meant keeping them afloat, but he remains uncertain whether he can reopen his business fully..“Even if we were to close, my utilities, cable don’t shut off. My bills will keep coming in, and that will be 1000s of dollars nobody will see whether I’m open or not,” he said..“There will be some adjustments, and I’m sure AHS will probably come and shut me down and suspend my business license.”.“I don’t know what they’re going to do, but I urge businesses across the province to stay open, operate safely, and make a stand.”.“Don’t close your doors and give up on your dreams.”.Dhaliwal is an Edmonton reporter for the Western Standard
Alberta small businesses across the province continue to defy the government’s tightened restrictions openly..For many, it’s do-or-die..Jayson Borthwick, of Medicine Hat’s J Rocks Bar and Grill, said he’s been open for six weeks and doesn’t know if he can fully reopen after the recent public measures begin to relax..“I put everything I’ve had into this place, and I’ve got $10,000 in groceries that will go bad if I shut down for two weeks. I can’t freeze it all,” said Borthwick..He vehemently expressed his frustrations over the Alberta government giving restaurants only three days to make the necessary adjustments. The are supposed to close and noon on Friday..“I have 20 staff members who could be out of a job who may not be eligible for Employment Insurance. This government screwed them over, as they depend on their tips to survive..“They’ve got little ones at home, but what are they going to do now? The $1,800 a month isn’t enough because rent, groceries, bills, a vehicle, and everything adds up.”.On the provincial grants made available by the province, Borthwick remained skeptical over concerns on how he could pay back the loan if the government called for further restrictions..“All that extra cleaning stuff we can purchase costs money, from bleach to hand sanitizers and masks. I have staff members with asthma and anxiety, which prevents them from wearing a mask on and off service,” he said..Borthwick said he hasn’t even applied for the grant. His business “probably didn’t even qualify.”.“This becomes another bill and puts you further in debt,” said Borthwick, who is anxious on the additional $30,000 his small businesses would have had to pay back..However, despite the financial uncertainty, he would stand up for his employees “100 times out of 100”, even if AHS agents come to his business and suspend his license..“If I close the doors, my staff don’t get paid. They’re just as mad about the rollbacks as me,” he said..The Whistle Stop Cafe, in Mirror, led the last restaurant rebellion and said they have no intention to close this time either..“The Whistle-stop Cafe in Mirror alberta (sic) is having the biggest push back against the restrictions that Alberta has ever scene (sic) this weekend Friday April 9 and 10th,” the restaurant wrote on their Facebook page..“Adam skelly from Ontario’s Adamson Barbecue will have his smoker here and be cooking for the whistle stop. Along with that we have bands this weekend. Come out and support the push back against the restrictions. Camping spots are available and booking fast.”.In Medicine Hat, Borthwick would give his staff all the groceries at his restaurant if it meant keeping them afloat, but he remains uncertain whether he can reopen his business fully..“Even if we were to close, my utilities, cable don’t shut off. My bills will keep coming in, and that will be 1000s of dollars nobody will see whether I’m open or not,” he said..“There will be some adjustments, and I’m sure AHS will probably come and shut me down and suspend my business license.”.“I don’t know what they’re going to do, but I urge businesses across the province to stay open, operate safely, and make a stand.”.“Don’t close your doors and give up on your dreams.”.Dhaliwal is an Edmonton reporter for the Western Standard
