An unfortunate incident at a restaurant in Saskatoon drew attention to the challenges restaurant and hospitality workers face in enforcing current health regulations. It seems that the situation at Mei’s Kitchen in Saskatoon, which descended into threats and racials slurs, is not unique to large cities. In fact, the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce is appealing to local diners to treat workers with respect following indications of incidents in Humboldt.

Brent Fitzpatrick, Director of the Chamber, sent out a release indicate instances of customer resistance in retail spaces, particularly area restaurants, that needs to be addressed. The release indicates that there have been instances of “abusive language or requests that place the servers and in fact the businesses at risk. Fitzpatrick talks about the impact such scenarios create for restaurant workers.

“It’s a pretty tough time for these folks, but people are going out, and when they go out, they know the rules, they know the regulations, and then they get into an almost adversarial situation with servers. This is not the servers’ fault. This is not the servers making a spontaneous rule. These are restrictions brought down by the government, so they have to live by them, and there are very big financial consequences to their not adhering to the rules.”

The release notes that the majority of patrons are respectful and compliant, and the servers appreciate that. It goes on to state that rude, non-compliant, and abusive behaviours should not be tolerated.

While no business proprietors commented directly, the incidents that Fitzpatrick has heard about largely have to do with numbers of patrons at a table. Current regulations restrict the number of diners at a table to four regardless of age or family connection. Patrons must wear masks in the establishment if they are not seated and eating or drinking.

“The business owners that I’ve talked have made clear that here is what the rules are,” says Fitzpatrick. “An infant is a person; that’s clear in the rules.”

Some local business owners have taken to social media expressing their and their employees frustration with those who are non-compliant and argumentative. The Saskatoon incident, captured on video and circulated on social media, clearly chronicles the efforts of staff to maintain a polite and respectful demeanor in the face of vulgar language and racial insults. The video is a testament to the hard work of those in the hospitality industry and a shameful reminder that some simply refuse to consider the health and well-being of those around them.

The message of the Chamber’s release in clearly summed up in its closing lines:

“So, if all we have to do is respect one another and adhere to the rules, that doesn’t seem like a lot to ask. Remember to support our local businesses—all of them. They are there for you when you need them and now they need you.”