Hamilton Has Nearly 150 Businesses Breaking COVID-19 Rules & Some Weren't Wearing Masks

Multiple charges have been laid after 147 Hamilton businesses were caught ignoring COVID-19 restrictions during a recent provincial enforcement blitz.

Over 500 places of businesses were visited from December 2 to 5, out of those over a quarter were found in violation of Ontario's Reopening Act, according to The Spectator. 

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My message has been crystal clear: All businesses have to step up.  Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training & Skills Development

However, despite the many infractions, only seven tickets were issued to just five businesses for failing to follow COVID-19 rules.

According to The Spectator, enforcement officers were instructed to focus primarily on retail stores.

The City of Hamilton also reported that a number of operators were failing to comply with Ontario's face coverings by-law.

Spots like Cause and Effect Kitchen & Bar and Jug City were both charged after it was discovered that workers were not wearing a mask.  

Meanwhile, other spots like flea markets and social media platforms failed to adhere to screening protocol.

According to the City of Hamilton, face-covering fines can amount to around $200 to $500.