Environmental Health Inspection Report (Photo courtesy AHS)

By Teagan Rasche

AHS inspection

Local restaurant that continued in-person dining after restrictions ordered to close

Apr 23, 2021 | 11:46 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A local restaurant that has continued to serve customers inside has been issued a Closure Order from Alberta Health Services.

J-Rocks Bar and Grill has been vocal on social media about its opposition to a public health measure earlier this month ordering restaurants to close indoor dining on April 9 to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

According to an Environmental Health Inspection Report from AHS, a Demand Inspection was conducted on April 22.

The inspection found the restaurant was in contravention of public health measures by offering dine-in services.

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The inspector listed several reasons for the decision, including not maintaining appropriate separation distances, inadequate cleaning procedures to mitigate transmission risk and lack of adequate PPE.

The report also says “Persons visiting, working, or residing at the facility are not following isolation requirements.”

The Health Inspection Report can be found here.

A Friday post on the restaurant’s Facebook page says it is still open.

Windy’s changes course

J-Rocks wasn’t the only restaurant to remain open after the restrictions went into effect.

Windy’s Diner on Dunmore Road also stayed open but now says it will be following the guidelines.

According to a post on Facebook, Windy’s will now only offer takeout or curbside pick-up following a visit from AHS and Medicine Hat police Thursday morning.

Windy’s says if the restaurant doesn’t follow guidelines, it risks losing its liquor and business license and food handling permit.

The Facebook post also says Windy’s is looking into building a patio when the weather is better.