Three King Street bars shut down by Toronto Public Health

Sep 26 2020, 4:24 pm

Toronto health officials heave revealed the names of three King Street bars and restaurants that were ordered shut Friday night for breaking coronavirus health and safety rules.

MARBL, King Taps, and Casa Mezcal were all served public health violations from Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa, according to a City news release.

An investigation revealed troubling evidence that staff were pressured to work while ill, and violations included having staff infected with coronavirus present on site.

De Villa also found links between the three businesses, and in some instances the staff infected with coronavirus worked shifts at more than one location while ill.

One of the locations was also serving food buffet-style, which is currently prohibited for coronavirus safety reasons.

In addition to the violations, de Villa said the bar owners were generally uncooperative with the investigation, which was concerning.

The closure orders are temporary, and will be lifted once the bars comply with health regulations.

“I hope this enforcement will ensure we are protecting employees and customers,” Mayor John Tory said. “Thankfully the vast majority of residents and businesses in our city are doing the right thing and following public health advice.”

A MARBL spokesperson told Daily Hive it is “fully complying” with de Villa’s order.

“We have done everything within our power to protect staff and guests and now, we must reassess and work alongside public health to ensure a safe and prompt re-opening,” it said in a statement.

The City said Friday that four businesses were being ordered temporarily shut. It has not yet revealed the fourth business’ identity.

Megan DevlinMegan Devlin

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