N.B. businesses report customers throwing 'temper tantrums' when employees enforce COVID-19 rules
CTV
The first twenty-four hours following New Brunswick's rollout of new pandemic restrictions have been rocky for some of the businesses tasked with enforcing the new rules.
The province went ahead with a mandatory proof of vaccination policy for certain locations and non-essential activities beginning at 11:59 pm on Sept. 21. While some feel protected by the new measures, The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse general manager, Todd VanIderstine, says others have taken issue with the rules.
"Between yesterday and today, we already have multiple stories of name-calling, attitude, yelling, or minor temper tantrums," said VanIderstine. "I've personally dealt with things online at the moment and we've turned away approximately half our customers just this morning alone."
Restaurants Canada's Atlantic Canada Vice President Luc Erjavec told CTV News in an interview over Zoom, while the majority of customers have been understanding, a small yet outspoken few have caused issues for restaurant employees across the province.
"They're getting some perverse kick of creating a scene in a restaurant or berating a staff person who's just trying to do their job and keep them safe and that's tough. Some employees are nervous to be working a front door."
