A local nightclub has been accused of being open during the earlier Provincial lockdown, an accusation that the owner denies.
“We were closed 100 percent!” asserts Stephen Dykie, owner of the Village Inn bar & restaurant, located at the four corners of downtown Bradford.
Recently, Dykie received a letter from the Town of Bradford claiming a “complaint” had been received regarding the operation of the Village Inn Bradford, specifically that the “adult entertainment” portion of the establishment was open during the time the province was in a mandated lockdown.
As per The Reopening Ontario Act (ROA), 2020, O. Reg. 324/20, Schedule 2, Section 19.1, “Strip Clubs are closed” as part of a Provincial regulation to reduce the spread of COVID-19 within our community. As such, the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury temporarily suspended the Village Inn’s adult entertainment license (AE01-20) until further notice.
“This is insulting,” said Dykie. “At no time did anyone ever investigate. If they had investigated, they would have discovered the allegation to be completely false!”
Dykie insists that the Village Inn has been closed since March 17, Saint Patrick's Day, including the Hideaway Lounge which is the adult entertainment section located in the lower level of the large restaurant and nightclub.
“This is something we deal with in our industry - false complaints,” noted Dykie. “And I know when I beat this, they will come after us even harder. We are a complaint-driven enforcement in a digital world. People put fake profiles up and complain… that has always been the problem we face and we continue to face it more and more”.
Dykie is well known in the community of Bradford. He sits on the downtown revitalization committee, he is a Lions Club member and has been a business liaison for many local restauranteurs.
“This is a blemish on my record and credibility is lost as a good corporate business,” stated Dykie.
Although the Town of Bradford could not comment specifically on this "active matter", Brent Lee, Manager of Enforcement with the Town of Bradford explained the by-law enforcement protocols are in place for such situations.
“Decision and intent were proper based on the allegations, ” stated Lee. “We liaison with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and South Simcoe Police regarding all matters related to COVID. We take our queues from the Ministry of Attorney General and always make an attempt to have an ‘educational approach’ before acting.”
Lee added that the By-law enforcement deals with multiple complaints daily and that their goal is to ensure compliance driven by Provincial regulations under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). Currently, no formal investigation has taken place and there are no police reports regarding this matter. An appeal process was not indicated to the owner either.
“We took the opportunity to engage with the owner and clarify what happened,” shared Lee. “Communication is extremely important [and] compliance is our goal.”
Dykie stressed that he was not approached regarding the matter, and was merely informed that a letter would be sent to him outlining the suspension.
“No one asked me if we were open,” insists Dykie. “I’m fighting this for every business owner out there. You can’t be punished for a crime you didn’t commit." Dykie said he no choice but to fight the allegation, and that he is disappointed the town acted without a proper investigation.
Kathy Dermott, Media Co-ordinator for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit stated: "We are unaware of a complaint related to the business. When the province passed the regulatory amendment requiring closure of strip clubs, the Health Unit proactively notified those municipalities with affected businesses to ensure they were aware of it. Municipalities have jurisdiction over licensing, this is not within our purview.”
“You may not agree with the type of business, but it’s a legal business," said Dykie, insisting the complaint is unfounded, and warned other businesses, "One day, it could be you!”
