COVID-19: Private businesses face own policy decision when mandates lift

The implication of potential legal consequences has some private business owners concerned. But lawyers Global News consulted with say owners have nothing to worry about.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is ending proof of vaccination this Monday and suggested that private businesses who wish to keep it going after that should consult with lawyers before making that final decision.

“It’s time for each of us as individuals now to make a conscious effort to treat everyone in our daily lives that we encounter equally. It’s also time for the proof of vaccination mandate to end,” Moe said on Tuesday while addressing the province.

The implication of potential legal consequences has some private business owners concerned.

“We have been very supportive of the vax policy but unfortunately I’m not an expert on law and legal and requesting personal health information without having a public health order to support that so at this point I’m hesitant to continue on with that practice,” said Rebellion Brewing Co. President & CEO, Mark Heise.

But lawyers Global News consulted with say owners have nothing to worry about.

“If an employer wants to say employees have to be vaccinated, customers have to be vaccinated to enter the establishment. That’s entirely the employer’s choice,” said Howard Levitt, a senior partner at Levitt Sheikh Employment & Labour Law.

According to Levitt, the reason those business owners shouldn’t be too alarmed is simple.

“It’s fine because the employer can say, ‘We want a safe workplace. The safest way is vaccination and we have a lot of customers that only want to be around people who are vaccinated so it would be bad for business if we let in everybody.’ And the limit on privacy rights, which is all that we’re talking about — just showing a vaccination card is so trivial that it’s overwhelmed by safety concerns,” said Levitt.