Shahab implements new rules for bars, nightclubs

Last call is going to be coming earlier at Saskatoon nightclubs — at least for now.

On Wednesday, Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer issued a new public health order aimed at curbing the transmission of COVID-19 at bars and nightclubs in the province.

Recent outbreaks — particularly at Saskatoon nightclubs — prompted the new order, which is to come into effect Friday.

By order of Dr. Saqib Shahab, nightclubs in Saskatoon will no longer be able to serve alcohol from 10 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. the following day. That order applies to everyone, including patrons, staff and owners.

As well, those establishments must be closed to customers from 11 p.m. until at least 9:30 a.m. the next day. However, takeout food services will be allowed to continue.

Shahab admits it’s a big weekend with Halloween on Saturday, but it is not the time to head out to multiple bars.

“If you do decide to go out, follow the guidelines that are on the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan and stay with your group that you’re going to one facility (with),” Shahab said during a media conference. “The aim is to go out and enjoy … We certainly don’t want to see a repeat of those mass transmission events that happened.”

Outbreaks recently were declared at four Saskatoon nightspots.

According to the Ministry of Health, 48 cases had been linked to the Longbranch Bar as of Sunday. There were 22 cases traced back to Diva’s nightclub, 11 to the Canadian Brewhouse in the Stonebridge neighbourhood and eight to Outlaws Country Rock Bar.

“We’ve had situations where there was crowding and large transmission events which really escalated the case numbers in Saskatoon especially but across the province,” Shahab said.

In establishments across the province, tables will be limited to six patrons, mingling among groups or tables will be prohibited, karaoke and dance floors are not allowed, and physical distancing will be required. Mask use is required for staff and encouraged for customers until they sit down.

As well, all bars and licensed establishments in Saskatchewan are being urged to write down the names and contact information of every patron in case contact tracing is required.

“We really have to comply as customers and as business owners to let bars, restaurants and other venues continue to operate,” Shahab said. “Otherwise, if our case numbers keep rising and they are linked to specific settings, then obviously we need to look at further slowdowns and closures which really you want to avoid.”

Establishments with questions are to contact the province’s Business Response Team for advice.

The Ministry of Health reminded business owners that activities that don’t follow public health orders or Re-Open Saskatchewan guidelines can result in fines under the Public Health Act.

“Obviously we ask for co-operation from businesses but if there’s cases of businesses that are sort of blatantly violating the rules, I think it’s important that we’re prepared to do what we need to do on the enforcement side,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said.

He said discussions will happen next week about what needs to happen in terms of enforcement opportunities.