Vaccine passport just another challenge

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — The province’s vaccination passport policy came into effect last Wednesday, September 22 and one Leamington restaurateur is trying his best to take it in stride.

Chad Robinson of Crave Family Grill and Pub on Erie Street North says the new restrictions present a challenge, but he’s confident that his team can overcome any obstacles.

“We’ve followed the restrictions all along, so I don’t see this as anything different,” he says.

One of the obstacles that Robinson and his staff are facing is dealing with a certain number of customers who may object to the new rules set forth by the province.

He says they’ve had the whole spectrum of people since the rules came into effect last week.

“We’ve had people who are totally prepared, some who are not quite prepared and others who opt for takeout, patio service or choose to leave,” he said.

Robinson knows that the new vaccine requirements for indoor dining have rubbed some people the wrong way, but he says he needs to follow the rules.

“I’ve made a commitment to my staff,” he said. “They expect me to remain open so they can get their hours.”

Chad Robinson behind the bar at Crave Family Grill and Pub.

SUN photo

And so, he juggles the best he can to provide service to everyone he can and hopes those unvaccinated customers understand.

“Through this whole pandemic, we’ve been hit with different rules and regulations,” he says. “I’ve followed them all the way through.”

Robinson says that every time a new restriction comes into effect, he sees an initial drop in revenue and then it slowly levels off.

“The same goes for when the restrictions are lifted,” he says. “We see an immediate spike and then it levels off.”

He expects this to play out the same way.

Robinson said in the short time and small sample size so far, the checking of the passports hasn’t really slowed things down at the front door.

“Most customers come ready with their vaccine receipt and I.D., so those folks have made it easy,” he said.

He does, however, have to prepare his staff for other, more serious situations.

“We’ve had some scripted role-play sessions to prepare our staff for most scenarios regarding objections,” he said.

All-in-all, it’s just another step toward getting back to normal and Robinson says it really is out of his hands.

“It doesn’t matter what I think. I have to follow the rules to keep my business running,” he says. “We welcome everybody and will try to accommodate those who can’t dine inside with takeout or patio dining.”

The province’s vaccine passport system will last only as long as needed to keep the hospitals from being overwhelmed, according to Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

“Not a day longer than necessary,” said Ford last week.