John Tory Wants All Strip Clubs To Close After More COVID-19 Cases Were Reported

You might have to say goodbye to your favourite club. Another Toronto strip club is dealing with COVID-19 after seven people tested positive. The news has caused Mayor John Tory to suggest closing down all adult entertainment hubs.

Club Paradise at 1313 Bloor St. W. in Toronto announced it would be closing for two weeks after six of its staff and one patron became sick.

Since this isn't the first time cases have been reported at a strip club in the 6ix, the city's mayor is now speaking out about the issue. 

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Tory states that it would be ideal if all these venues closed for a while to help stop the spread of COVID-19. 

"I noticed that this person voluntarily closed their doors for two weeks, maybe it'd be better if they all closed and then we wouldn't have to worry about this," he told CP24 on Monday morning.

Tory also mentioned the irony in the fact that even small theatres are remaining closed for the time being, yet, these venues are still able to remain open. 

"It's ironic that small theatres that can't open for performances yet these places are open for what they offer – and I'm not making a judgment on that I am just commenting on the nonsensical nature of that," the mayor concluded.

Back in August, Brass Rail Tavern, a popular Toronto strip joint, revealed that 550 people could’ve been exposed to COVID-19 after an employee tested positive.

The staff member worked on August 4 and August 9.

The City of Toronto quickly got to work in contacting everyone who was known to visit the location during that time.

However, it was later discovered that many customers gave out fake information for contact tracing.

Tory states that this is another reason why these clubs should reconsider closing. 

"Think of the time that's taken by public health officials trying to track all of these people down, in many cases with quite frankly bogus phone numbers," he added.

Now, Tory is asking the Ontario government to reexamine COVID-19 guidelines to stop strip clubs from operating during this time.