Office of the Official Opposition
For Immediate Release

Grand Falls - Windsor, NL (August 10, 2020) – Chris Tibbs, PC MHA for Grand Falls – Windsor – Buchans, is raising concern on behalf of the owners and patrons of the Classic Theatre in Grand Falls – Windsor over the Ministers refusal to waive the 50 person capacity cap currently in place.

Tibbs says, “The iconic Classic Theatre has a capacity of well over 200 seats and they have the ability to operate in a safe and controlled way. They are simply asking to be able to operate at 40% capacity at this time, with appropriate social distancing, and dedicated entrances and exits. It is heartless to crush this local business just because the Minister doesn’t want to be flexible.”

The proprietors of the Classic Theatre have indicated that if they cannot operate at 40% capacity, they will be forced to close.

“Other jurisdictions in the ‘Atlantic Bubble’ have higher capacities than we do here in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, they are permitted to enter our province without self-isolating. Why is there such inconsistency with business capacities among our Atlantic Canadian neighbours? This doesn’t make any practical sense and will result in more businesses closing their doors for good,” says Tibbs.

Contacts:

Bradley Russell

Director of Policy and Research

(p) 1.709.729.3668

BradleyRussell@gov.nl.ca

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