While many businesses across the city are reopening for dine-in service this month, at least one has decided it will only stay take-out for the time being due to the actions of a few abusive customers.
The Black Dog Cafe in the Upper Beaches recently announced that it will be closing its catering offerings for the time being to protect employees from further abuse.
According to their team, a number of customers threatened staff with “discrimination” and generally acted aggressively when asked to show proof of vaccination or to continue wearing a mask.
While most people understand that a private business is free to require customers to be vaccinated, masked, wear a shirt, or follow any other health and safety related guidelines they choose, it seems that it there are still a few who think everyone should take care of them.
“The decision to close the restaurant was very easy, especially when members of staff tell me that people have yelled at them, telling them that it is illegal and discriminatory… The protection of staff comes first and they do not shouldn’t be treated in this way,” Paul, owner of Black Dog Cafe, told blogTO.
“It’s unfortunate but at the same time the community came out over the weekend and showed their support and we couldn’t be more grateful for that. Maybe we’ll be back to the restaurant in the next few weeks but for now we’ll be staying take-out only.”
