A Downtown Eastside Tim Hortons has released a statement after the City of Vancouver suspended its business licence Friday.
The Tim Hortons located at 108 W Pender Street reportedly violated the orders of the Provincial Health Officer and the City of Vancouver that limit the number of persons allowed in a restaurant and which restrict restaurants to take out and delivery service. As a result, the restaurant's licence was suspended on March 26.
Mary Lowe, Head of communications, Tim Hortons, tells Vancouver Is Awesome in an email that the bylaw officer said there was an additional person in the restaurant exceeding local guidelines – 11 not 10 people. She says the incident is "isolated" and remarks that it took place in a "challenging neighbourhood." Further, she states that the restaurant owner works hard to serve the establishments guests, who often have "challenging social needs."
"The restaurant management worked with the bylaw officer to meet local standards – including adding taped boxes, as it was lines taped on the floor, for guests to stand in, as requested by the bylaw officer," writes Lowe.
"She will also work to enforce the ten-person rule and will request police support as needed to help her enforce this."
Lowe adds that Tim Hortons has continued to improve its, "rigorous health and safety standards to meet local public health requirements," and that the company has, "measures in place promoting contactless procedures between team members and guests to provide for appropriate social distancing."
Complying with the bylaw officer's order, the restaurant is set to reopen Monday, March 30.
