During the investigation, the health department sent two test shoppers at different times and both were able to enter and dine after showing a photo of a dog and personal ID, instead of responding requirements, the health agency said.
“In both cases, staff at the facility used a tablet to appear as if they were scanning a QR code when in fact the staff member was presented with a photo of a dog” , said the Alberta Health Services Order. “The staff member then asked the test buyer to personally identify himself and offered catering services.”
The Granary’s indoor dining area has been ordered to remain closed until the owners take steps to ensure the restaurant will implement the restrictions exemption program in full compliance, provide training to all staff on how to implement the program with written confirmation that training has been completed and to attend an administrative hearing with Environmental Public Health to demonstrate that all steps have been completed.
“To our valued guests, we had an unfortunate circumstance at our front door which involved one of our underage hostesses and REP program requirements,” The Granary Kitchen wrote on Facebook Friday. “We are taking the weekend off to retrain and regroup. We look forward to serving you again as soon as we are ready to reopen.”
“In closing, we would like to remind everyone of the enormous pressure placed on the reception staff, and remember to be nice.”
Alberta Health Services rescinded the closing order on Monday, according to a letter from the department, and the Granary Kitchen reopened its dining room the same day. Patrick Malkin, one of the restaurant’s owners, told CNN on Wednesday that Alberta Health Services was “very pleased” with the steps being taken moving forward.
“These are challenging times for restaurants in Canada and internationally,” Malkin said. “We look forward to better days for the industry as a whole.”
