Restaurants, bars serve up appeal for change to Silver
A veritable smorgasbord of local restaurants and bars have sent a bluntly-worded letter to Premier Sandy Silver about what they call the dire straits of the industry.
A veritable smorgasbord of local restaurants and bars have sent a bluntly-worded letter to Premier Sandy Silver about what they call the dire straits of the industry.
The letter, obtained by the Star, reads:
“Dear Premier Silver: a growing number of local businesses are at a breaking point with the current restrictions, and we are asking your government to consider removing current measures in place. Measures directly impacting businesses are:
•Proof of vaccination;
•2m (or 6ft) distancing between tables;
•Close businesses at 10 p.m.;
•No dancing or moving between tables;
•No bar or counter service;
•Two households, max of six people per table.
“With a lot of businesses seeing a 40 per cent to 60 per cent decrease in sales and a growing staffing shortage, quick action is needed to survive,” the letter says.
“A timely response this week would be appreciated. In the meantime, this group will continue discussions.”
A raft of business signed the joint letter:
Big Bear Donair; Braeburn Lodge; Casa Loma; Coal Mine Campground; Dirty Northern; Drunken Goat; Frozen Dreams; Georgios Cuccina; Klondike Rib and Salmon; Kopper King; Midnight Sun; Coffee Roaster; Mile 1016 Pub; Miner’s Daughter; Pickapepper; Pizza Hut; Porter Creek Billiards; Ricky’s; Six Mile River Resort; The Deli; The Java Connection; The Night Market; The Ridge; Tony’s; Whiskey Jack’s; Woodstreet Ramen; Woodcutter’s Blanket; and the 98 Hotel.
See story on new business assistance initiatives in News section.
Comments (38)
Up 4 Down 5
Mr Facts on Feb 17, 2022 at 6:54 am
Hey Hannah. Nelson Mandala was a straight up terrorist who killed people. Then propped up by the MSM as some kind of folk hero. Not exactly the guy I would be admiring or using his phony quotes.
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Anonymous on Feb 16, 2022 at 12:19 am
During an interview with Reuters, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was opposed to the idea of mandating people to carry digital proof that they had been vaccinated against COVID-19, saying it was fraught with challenges and would have “divisive impacts on community and country.”
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Hannah A on Feb 15, 2022 at 1:01 pm
70,000 unmasked people in the Super Bowl, yes.
But 2 year olds are still force masked at day care in LA.
The Oscars, also to be held in LA, will not have mask or vaccine requirements.
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul,” Nelson Mandela famously said, “than the way in which it treats its children.” By that standard, our society now has the soul of an abusive parent."
https://www.city-journal.org/masking-children-unnecessary-and-harmful
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Anonymous on Feb 15, 2022 at 12:35 pm
The article forgot to mention one of the restrictions:
No flying down to Vancouver with your friends to get around own mandates.
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How about treating Covid! on Feb 14, 2022 at 9:07 pm
Why are they not treating Covid? The vaccines are not working. Treatment is available. There have been studies and other countries are having success- including Mexico. Readily available treatments!
The government has instilled fear to the point where most believe that they have our best interests at heart. What’s at the heart of all this is money and big pharma, power and control. Wake up people. The vaccine is still not even officially approved! Yet they are demanding that we take it.
Freedom of choice is democracy. End the tyranny, join the cause. Thank you businesses and truckers who are awake! To those who are not, you are in for a big surprise.
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moe on Feb 14, 2022 at 3:41 pm
I am so bloody sick of the nonsense. Top of the list is the rabid lefties flipping out if any one deviates in the slightest from what they are told to do by the government.
Get a freaking life! Or don't. But I am ready to get on with my life. And I voted Liberal and am fully vaccinated so don't kid yourself that the widespread disgust with the continued unneccessary controls isn't widespread.
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Still fed up ! on Feb 14, 2022 at 3:09 pm
There was 70,000 people in one stadium at yesterday's Super Bowl ! I didn't see too many masks ! More people in one stadium than in the entire Yukon !! I think it's time people !
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joe on Feb 14, 2022 at 2:38 pm
@disappointment... you are part of the minority. Although we respect your opinion the mandates were wrong, the vax passport is wrong, we should have found a better way to move forward. Now we have a never before been a divided country thanks to our local and federal liberals.
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iBrian on Feb 14, 2022 at 10:02 am
@ What is the End Game? on Feb 13, 2022 at 12:47 pm
Too many questions to reply to your questions.
But one major one is, if this Covid was so bad, out of all the money and debt accumulated, why was none put into increasing capacity of our Hospitals? Or our Hospital staff?
The CERB has already proven to have done more harm then good.
Lockdowns have caused more ill repairable damage to family’s and business, that we are beyond being able to go back to the way things were.
Restrictions have limited the seating capacity of restaurants, by 50% or more, hence the inability to serve those tables.
I have waited up to 45 min to get a table at 4 locations which signed support of the letter.
As a small business owner who had to change fields and become an employee, I had to close my business, lay off my employees, and work for someone else. Even with getting the vaccine, I still didn’t have enough clients to open up last summer.
So, hope you're comfortable on your high horse.
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DL on Feb 14, 2022 at 1:47 am
End all these covid mandates NOW. These mandates have caused way more harm than the covid virus ever did. The vax pass is completely irrational, since the mRNA covid vax does not prevent transmission of the covid virus. Most new ‘cases’ are among the vaxed. And, at any rate, the latest ‘Omicron variant’ produces mild symptoms like the common cold. Why is this government intent on destroying our society with mandates because of the common cold… they’re just following orders from Ottawa, and the Great Reset agenda, that people never voted for.
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Disappointed on Feb 13, 2022 at 9:03 pm
I know that the 'Freedom Convoy' has wanted to open everything up, data and science be damned. I thought and still think they are a bunch of selfish, conspiracy minded yahoos but I figured they were alone. Then Currie Dixon, Stacy Hazard and Brad Cathers align themselves with this stupid freedom convoy and also demand that everything be lifted immediately. So now the freedom circus we see here and across the country gains more legitimacy as conservative politicians endorse them. Now to top it off, a bunch of our local restaurants, some of whom I was quite fond of and went to somewhat regularly , have joined the anti-health care crusaders. It makes me sad to see this horde of luddites grow by the day. Especially for our healthcare workers who have been working so damn hard through all of this and are so close to the light at the end of the tunnel.
I'm glad so many people have said they will be going out to support all these restaurants and businesses that have joined the truckers and the Yukon Party. Because I sure as heck won't. I'm disgusted with the lot of you and won't be going to your establishments again for a long time. I know you are hurting, but from what I understand the government is helping you to stay afloat. Plus some of you have intentionally closed your doors to indoor service to "show solidarity with the anti-vaxxers" mentioning some BS about discrimination. So you are intentionally making it harder on yourselves. And at the end of the day, our elderly and immunocompromised should not be sacrificed for the economy. We are so close to being out of the pandemic and you guys are throwing a fit just as it is winding down.
We have certainly seen people's true nature and values over the past 2 years. Some I expected, given their annoying bravado, others I am surprised and saddened by. Especially Midnight Sun Coffee, Java Connection, the Deli and Klondike Rib.
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What is the End Game? on Feb 13, 2022 at 12:47 pm
Okay let's say the Gov't says I give up.....you're all right the trucking companies, restaurant owners do know best..... Monday mandates are done. So what happens when hospitals fill up with venerable covid patients? Do all other services shut down at that point? Do we make any precautions for nursing homes or just changes for dine in places? So does that mean unvaccinated truckers can cross the border? (not it does not).
Will folks flock to your place of business? (if they did not find a way to support you the last two years they are not your customer base). You say you lost 40-60%.... was your food not that good to begin with, if you have great food and great service people find a way to eat, take out or using your dining space, not open all the time they would of bought gift card for the future. Looking at this list it is missing either the great food or the great service. That 40-60% is likely tourism eaters you are missing not locals eating there. I would just like to know what it looks like when there is no more health guidelines.
Will your restaurants go back to having major health violations like the past or will you use what you learned over the last two years and excel in cleanliness? I am more sorry for your staff if they lost any employment, but if they were to walk in almost any retail store they would be more than happy to hire them, even if it was just temporary.
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Groucho d'North on Feb 13, 2022 at 10:04 am
Mr. Silver will not relax anything until his master in Ottawa gives him the green light to do so. Trudeaus agenda has been hijacked by the trucker convoy and at such an important time too.
Already there are hints that some restrictions will be relaxed in the near term. Trudeau must be cautious not to give the impression that these protests influenced his decisions to change his orders. Dictators do not play that way.
He will point to 'science' that never gets revealed, as the reasoning behind his decisions to relax restrictions and to try and save face.
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Dave on Feb 13, 2022 at 7:17 am
I’ve been to slippery Silvers party in Dawson. Don't know why your asking him anything.
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Adam Smith on Feb 12, 2022 at 9:53 pm
This is great to hear! Way to go restaurants. Your support is so appreciated by us in the local freedom convoy. We now have the same goals, get rid of all these damn health restrictions and mandates. Together we can send a strong message to all the damn healthcare workers who keep crying about being too busy and the Liberal politicians who keep trying to defend them. To hell with the science! The economy is bleeding too much money.
I also hope the freedom convoy in Ottawa and all of the blockades succeed in taking the Liberals from power. Perhaps we can make the local Liberals leave office as well by blockading some stuff? Now that Currie Dixon supports all of our demands, we have some sitting MLAs on our side. We just keep gaining strength and it's only a matter of time until the educated elites in government and healthcare have to give in. Once the passport system disappears, I will definitely be going to eat at all of your restaurants!
Thank you so much for standing with us even though you are obviously taking a financial hit by not allowing any in person service so as not to discriminate based on personal medical information. G&Ps should also be added to the list since they said they supported the letter but just didn't get the memo before it went out.
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Susan Herrmann on Feb 12, 2022 at 4:21 pm
Having a small business I feel so ready to throw in the towel and just lock my doors. I don’t think a lot of people realize the loss that small businesses are dealing with. So many attitudes are you have lots of money you own your own business. They have no idea what’s taking place and what will happen when small businesses close.
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Call for Action on Feb 12, 2022 at 1:30 pm
YUKONERS Ask Sandy Silver to end the mandates. Enough is enough. Herd immunity is the only way. Listen to the doctors risking their lives to tell the truth. Silver should deliver or step down.
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Vlad on Feb 12, 2022 at 11:55 am
@joe. Joe, it is a very big deal for some. If it were you who has lost the business or a job, then surely you would not say "not a big deal"! have a nice day.
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bonanzajoe on Feb 12, 2022 at 11:04 am
The truckers have been protesting now for 2 weeks. The Liberals and NDP wants it to end. The Governments have enacted tyrannical mandates for 2 years and don't want to end them. So, who in the H E double hockey sticks do these nasty rulers think they are? I support the truckers and any other protestors that demonstrate for an end of these useless and left wing methods and hope they stay there until all the mandates are scrapped. And since these businesses are losing over 40% of their income, I demand that the government leaders and employees have the same amount taken off their pay cheques. What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. Are you listening Silver?
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AdmiralA$$ on Feb 12, 2022 at 10:44 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQChw_Rk1Kk&t=558s Thanks again JP!
Really simplifies it for everyone.
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Groucho d'North on Feb 12, 2022 at 8:34 am
Nothing is as addictive as power and once you've learned how to wield it, you do not want it to end.
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That guy from the pit on Feb 12, 2022 at 12:06 am
So happy to see these names here. Thank you for speaking up. You will forever have my patronage. Even if I suck at pool (Porter Creek Billiards) or have to drive out to Dawson (Tony and the Drunken Goat).
Thank you for standing up to this b.s.
Love you all,
That guy from the pit
Up 94 Down 24
Josie on Feb 11, 2022 at 11:15 pm
Me and all my coworkers really miss going out and socializing after work. I don't know what the government is trying to do but none of it has worked. Look around the world, the people are done with this military grade psychological warfare. Enough already.
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Salt on Feb 11, 2022 at 10:03 pm
It’s like the political parasites have no concern that they are killing their host.
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DMZ on Feb 11, 2022 at 9:38 pm
I take it these are the restaurants that weren't at the Pro Covid rally last week.
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Brent on Feb 11, 2022 at 7:41 pm
You missed getting a signature from Baked Cafe!
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North_of_60 on Feb 11, 2022 at 7:11 pm
I have been prevented from patronizing any such small businesses because I am categorically opposed to the LIBgov's unjustified and unnecessary plandemic regulations. I refuse to wear a mask and refuse to possess, carry, or present a vax-pass to enter any building.
As a self employed individual I strongly support private enterprise, and especially local small businesses. They are the backbone of our local economy and they are what makes the Yukon a unique place I've called home for nearly half a century.
Those businesses who do not require a mask and vax-pass will get my patronage.
If these businesses do not receive a satisfactory response from the LIBgov in a timely manner, then I suggest they declare the government's plandemic regulations null and void on their premises. Furthermore if any punitive action is taken against them by the government, then they should launch a class-action suit against individual MLAs who do not speak out in opposition to continuing the plandemic regulations.
Enough is enough, this plandemic is over when WE say it is.
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John on Feb 11, 2022 at 5:48 pm
I'm vaccinated, coerced into vaccine in case i have to fly, like everyone else i have family across this country. i will not show my vax pass to anyone local. Restaurants stop asking for vax pass, we will go to restaurants and refuse to show vax pass to covid wanna be cops. It's over.
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iBrian on Feb 11, 2022 at 5:37 pm
Well written letter: strait and to the point. I wonder if SS will even see it.
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Robert Wills on Feb 11, 2022 at 5:33 pm
Can all be back to normal with full volumes if the Freedom Passport is kept that allows the vaccinated public to support local businesses that care about public health with confidence.
Table restrictions and shields are common in other cities, no problem.
We’ve done the hard work. Let’s not throw it away until our hospitals are empty and our hospital workers can all take a night off too like the rest of us.
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Silent Majority on Feb 11, 2022 at 4:35 pm
I, along with many others, will not go to to a restaurant which refuses to value the safety of many rather than just listen to the extremely rude, self-entitled minority.
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drum on Feb 11, 2022 at 4:32 pm
How about the non Government Funded groups that serve Seniors with recreation and socializing - they are not receiving help with finances to pay the electric bill etc. But they were shut down by the restrictions. Most of those members are living alone and rely on their socializing from these groups. We are not getting any help but restaurants and bars are! Is it because it is all done by volunteers?
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Jayne W on Feb 11, 2022 at 3:59 pm
When I was travelling in December, I think Ontario was show your pass and 50% closed early at the time. The restaurant we were in was not that busy, usually had to wait a long time in previous years. We talked to our server and asked how bad has it been.....she said they had to hire more people in order to keep up with the take out demand. Next place we ate at in another City, the owner put his phone off the hook after 7 as they cannot keep up, he did not even bother opening up for seating in his place, and again had to keep all staff and add more. It is a shame that Whitehorse cannot rally around all the restaurants so they can keep functioning with a profit, and keeping everyone's jobs. It took a lot of work for many restaurants, getting websites going and getting word of mouth that everyone could get anything off the menu still.
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Matthew on Feb 11, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Let me support local! BUT I can't, because of my personal choices in not trusting big pharma after decades of lies.. this is just Yukon, imagine the rest of the country.!? I surely don't want to visit a state owned diner do you!?
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Richard Smith on Feb 11, 2022 at 2:37 pm
Arrogant Silver and his "elites" are not listening to us peasants.
They will continue to restrict and breach our Charter rights until we say enough.
In other parts of Canada the governments are starting to listen because of the Freedom Convoy.
It's going to take that kind of protest here or, if not, we just have to lie down and take what they shove at us.
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joe on Feb 11, 2022 at 2:36 pm
Remove the mandates. The liberals made a mistake, no big deal, apologize, remove the mandates and move on.
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Al on Feb 11, 2022 at 2:34 pm
Sorry folks - don't hold your breath. Betty Boop, aka Elliott or commonly referred to as Queen Know it All, has ruled against you. Silver will enforce everything she tells him.
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Fringe Minority with Unacceptable Views on Feb 11, 2022 at 2:32 pm
I look forward to supporting all the businesses listed once these restrictions are gone for good and everyone can participate. Any businesses not listed, I support you too. We need to keep what little private industry we have alive, big government is not good and though many of us work for government or for entities funded by the government that is all the more reason why we need to support these businesses. Small private businesses are the heart and soul of our community.