Positive one-week trend in COVID-19 fines to Hamilton businesses

It was a relatively quiet week for COVID-19 health protocol violations in Hamilton, which might be a sign that a rise in cases is leading business operators and employees to be more watchful.

City of Hamilton data shows that 14 charges and tickets under the Reopening Ontario Act and the city’s health bylaws were issued during the week of Nov. 22 to 28. Seven businesses face a charge or ticket.

“A ticket or penalty notice amounts to an allegation and the business is presumed innocent until the alleged offence is proven or admitted,” the city’s COVID-19 website notes.

That was a likely welcome contrast to the 36 tickets and penalty notices issued to 22 businesses between Nov. 15 and 21.

Between Sunday and last Monday, only six charges, to five businesses, were issued under the ROA. Eight bylaw tickets were also written.

• Azzurri Sports Club in Stoney Creek faces two charges under the ROA, for alleged lack of contact tracing and face coverings violations.
• First Choice Pizza on King Street East faces an ROA charge for COVID-19 safety plan violations. It also faces two tickets from the city.
• Total Vision and Hearing in Ancaster also faces an ROA charge for COVID-19 safety plan violations, as well as two tickets from the city. One was for failing to place a mandatory face covering sign at entrance.
• Hamilton Gold on John St. was accused, under the ROA, of failing “to conduct required screening of customers and/or employees.”
• Muzaffer Barber Shop on Upper James St. was also accused, under the ROA, for “face coverings violations.

A charge under the ROA, if proven or admitted, carries a stiffer fine than one that falls under the auspices of City of Hamilton bylaws.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, 748 charges under the Reopening Ontario Act have been laid against Hamilton businesses.