‘Troubling’ number of Ottawa restaurants not following proof-of-vaccination protocol: MPP Lisa MacLeod

A local MPP says close to one third of Ottawa restaurants are not complying with provincial COVID-19 vaccine requirements.

“I will say this with respect to restaurants; I had some troubling information today from Ottawa Public Health, where 30 per cent of restaurants in the City of Ottawa fail to comply with the vaccination requirements at this point in time,” said Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod during question period at Queen's Park on Tuesday, October 19.

Under provincial COVID-19 health and safety regulations that came into effect on September 22, all restaurants and bars are required to check proof-of-vaccination for indoor patrons.

City of Ottawa bylaw officials say 31 businesses were inspected on October 15 and 16, of which 10 were not in compliance with various provisions of the provincial regulatory requirements. They add that the inspections focused on establishments previously reported as being non-compliant.     

MacLeod was responding to a question about why restaurants are still being forced to function at 50 per cent capacity when restrictions have been lifted for sports venues.