NLC inspectors to enforce physical distancing in bars as warm weekend arrives

Less than a week after crowds packed into some George Street clubs, the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation says it will crack down on bars that don't enforce physical distancing and capacity rules.

An amendment made late Wednesday afternoon to the chief medical officer of health's special measures order requires all bars in the province to operate at half of their approved capacity, provided physical distancing can be maintained.

Dance floors may not be used for dancing, but tables and chairs can be set up on the dance floor if there is at least two metres between seated patrons.

The order says it is the responsibility of the bar to ensure compliance with the order.

Last weekend, hundreds of people were seen in photos and video widely shared on social media in and around the clubs Konfusion and the Rob Roy. 

The photos angered many people, who called out bars for not enforcing physical distancing measures that other businesses have adopted, and for putting the province at risk of developing another cluster of COVID-19 cases. 

On Friday, Newfoundland and Labrador announced its first COVID-19 case in six weeks. Government officials said it is related to travel, and that so far the risk of public transmission appears to be low. 

The emergence of a new case puts a brighter spotlight on measures like physical distancing. 

Sean Ryan, the NLC's vice-president of regulatory services and social responsibility, says liquor inspectors will be working across the province to ensure bars limit capacity and allow for physical distancing.

"We will be having teams of inspectors out, at this point forward, at very strategic times to be conducting inspections in all of these premises," he told CBC Radio's On The Go.

"If the inspector walks in and feels that there's even the slightest bit of ambiguity around the total number then there may, in fact, be a pause in the event and there may be a head count done."

Ryan said the inspectors could also go beyond a head count, if they see fit. 

"If there's congregations of people that are just not adhering, then we may in fact have to close the place down, which we will do if we're confronted with this."

But Ryan didn't go into detail about the specific penalties a bar could face if it doesn't comply with the order. He said infractions will be dealt with the same way as a breach of a bar's liquor licence.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Community Services said in a statement early this week that any failure to comply with the general special measures order could result in a fine between $5,000 and $50,000 for a first offence.

'Do the right thing'

On Friday afternoon, Don-E Coady, the communications and marketing director of the George Street Association, told CBC News bar owners and staff are working hard to ensure they can do what is necessary to prevent a repeat of last weekend when it comes to crowds. 

We all want to work together and … we all need to take accountability and own our own roles," said Coady. "I think we are all very concerned and hoping that everyone who comes down to the street will do the right thing and do their part to ensure we can offer a socially safe summer."

Mark Kieley, who was walking on George Street Friday afternoon, told CBC he was "pretty disappointed" when he saw the pictures of the packed crowds last weekend. 

"We really can't afford to take any chances," he said. 

Kieley admitted he was personally more reluctant to go to bars, or other places where crowds can form. He said while he does wear a mask sometimes, other times he doesn't.

Annie McCarthy and Scott Tye said they recognized some of the people who were in the photos of the packed crowds on George Street last weekend, and they were friends with some of them. 

"I feel bad for the owner, like there's not really much they can do," said McCarthy. 

She said bouncers are the ones who know the numbers, and should enforce the capacity limit. She added she wouldn't be surprised if some of her friends are back on George Street this weekend. 

"Knowing them, they love it down here," she said.

NLC: 'We want this to work'

Health Minister John Haggie said Wednesday a bar could lose its liquor licence if it doesn't comply with the regulations.

Ryan said there will be "zero tolerance" for infractions under the new order and after meeting with the George Street Association, he said bar owners are concerned about their industry and he's confident most bars will follow the rules.

"We want this to work, we want this industry to grow," he said.

"But it has to be done in such a fashion that it's orderly, in compliance with what's required and steeped in paramount safety for all concerned."

Ryan said some responsibility rests with bar patrons as well. He said co-operation and understanding will be necessary to keep everyone safe, and people may be asked to leave a bar if they don't follow the rules.

"The public has to play a role too," he said.

"You can effectively still have very pleasant social circumstances, but be within the protected zone and within the required distance."

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