Photo Courtesy The Altruist Market

By Darren Rathwell

Hat restaurants on board with changes

Medicine Hat outlet says ‘business as usual’ despite new pandemic measures

Sep 16, 2021 | 5:12 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Despite a raft of new pandemic measures in Alberta, at least one Medicine Hat outlet is planning no changes to their business.

“We’ll operate as normal. We’ll continue to sanitize and keep distance. That’s the best that we can do,” Altruist Market owner Lou-Wanda Whaley told CHAT News.

As part of the proof of vaccination program announced by Premier Jason Kenney on Wednesday night, retail outlets which allow only vaccinated customers can operate as per usual. Those who don’t opt-in are supposed to only operate at 30 per cent capacity. But Whaley, who owns the Altruist Market on Third Street SE, says she doesn’t anticipate much change from the new measures.

“Well given the market we are rarely at 30 per cent capacity anyway. So I don’t think it’s going to be a huge effect on me, and I can’t see it being a huge effect on a lot of small business,” Whaley said.

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The Rosewood Bistro on South Railway Street however will opt into the new proof of vaccination program. The restaurant, which opened in February, has been buffeted by change within only a few months.

“I had to lay off every worker (in July) because it was only takeout. And we didn’t get even one order for takeout. I’m going to opt-in for this program so I can have employment for my team members and I don’t have to close my business,” Rosewood Bistro owner Sourav Saha said. Restaurants that don’t opt-in will only be allowed to offer service outside.

The owner of the Grit City Distillery meanwhile says he’s ready to flow with the changes, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily going to be easy.

“It’s an awkward situation and I feel there is going to be a lot of people who are going to have a hard time with that. We’re certainly not looking forward to making anyone angry and it’s going to be interesting to see how that works out,” Andy Schmunk told CHAT News, adding his staff are divided on the idea of asking for proof of vaccination.

But Schmunk says he appreciates those who follow the rules without issue, and Rosewood Bistro’s Saha is also grateful for past support by customers, including those who used his patio in cold weather.

“They came with blankets and touques just to support us because they knew how difficult .. it is for us,” Saha said.