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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

We’re devastated by yesterdays health order – I can’t help but feel I’m paying for others people’s indiscretions – David Pup Johnston

 

The following is a guest commentary from David Pup Johnston, owner of Kamloops nightclub the Blue Grotto

We're devastated by yesterdays health order from Dr. Bonnie Henry ... we had just spent a lot of time and money on reopening.  After voluntarily being closed for 6 months, due to COVID-19, we had very high hopes.

Friday gave us 44 guests -- who all obeyed the rules. Saturday our 22 guest were also happily compliant. They gave us names and phone numbers for contact tracing. They were very receptive to wearing masks that we provided while entering, leaving or using the bathrooms. We washed and sanitized throughout the night – it’s not hard to look after 44 people in 250 seat club!! 

I can’t help but feel that I’m paying for other people’s indiscretions! I’m paying for teen party bus fails.

I’m paying for less responsible establishment that should have been shut down or fined months ago -- or 300 person parties with no contact tracing or supervision. That compared to 44 people in my sectioned off highly sanitized contact tracing compliant club.

I’m really paying for all the people that really don’t take this seriously. The people that are anti-mask or anti-vaccine -- that think this is a joke, or fake! 

I’m paying for people that let their teens go out and party and 20 somethings that think they are indestructible.

I’m beyond angry -- I've been patient.

On Monday I booked bands who have been dying to get back on stage, and begged on bended knee, because at 50 patrons its impossible to offer fair wage (until there’s a vaccine). Meantime there's stores that DON’T enforce masks, social distancing, barriers between customers, limited entry – all the while racking up record profits and avoiding fines.

I also have to give a shout out Jordan Landry. I saw CJs on Saturday night and was impressed with the measures that they had taken as well.

For the record, let’s remember every provincial campsite has been booked and taken for two months. This, while we've been responsibly closed, and paying rent. 

If two clubs in Kamloops can do it right then why are we paying for the indiscretions of the lower mainland?

Small businesses are paying the price for other people's mistakes.

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