Toronto restaurant changes its patio rules after it fails to control large crowds
Some newly reopened bars and restaurants are taking heat for not enough social distancing, and one in particular has already decided on a new system patrons must abide by.
Ruby Soho at the corner of King and Portland opened its patio last Wednesday as part of the Stage 2 reopening. After only a few days, things have already gotten out of hand.
You can find one of Toronto's newest patios at King & Portland - 📹 @hectoravasquez #Toronto #RubySoho #KingWest #Stage2 #patioTO pic.twitter.com/HHQTPwlrbx
— blogTO (@blogTO) June 24, 2020
Crowds of people milled around the patio all weekend as customers and servers struggled to navigate the space.
While I’m happy to see restaurant patios on King St buzzing with life, there needs to be an adjustment.
— Pedro Marques (@MetroManTO) June 26, 2020
There are large lineups for restaurants and the sidewalks are packed. No masks. Close the curb lanes on King Street. Whatever happened to #curbTO @johntory and @joe_cressy? 🤷🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/O9XAG5NkMz
As a result, the bar posted a message to its Instagram story yesterday explaining that customers must now book ahead and no lineups will be allowed outside the bar.
"We want to thank everyone for their support over the last few days," it begins. "It's been overwhelming and appreciated."
King Street patio in Toronto.. one mask (server), zero distancing.
— I Kneel Because it Matters (@daleethompson) June 26, 2020
We’re f*cked.#COVID19 #wtf pic.twitter.com/yM3xutzxjJ
"That said, due to high the demand, and our responsibility as a business to play a roll in the safe reopening of our industry, we have instituted some new measurements."
"Effective immediately, we will no longer allow distanced lineups outside our venue as it's just not working — we have moved to a reservations and walk-up with call back system only. Absolutely no lines at the present time."
Under the COVID-19 Guidelines for Re-Opening your Restaurant document provided by the City of Toronto, establishments are encouraged to use a reservation-only system and record the name of at least one party member for contact tracing purposes.
Hector Vasquez
