Large crowds could be seen at The Whistle Stop Café in Mirror on Saturday, April 10. The operator was served a closure order by AHS that afternoon. (Facebook)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

charged again

Mirror restaurant flouts restrictions again, gets new court date

Apr 11, 2021 | 9:11 AM

The Whistle Stop Café in Mirror has a court date once again.

The establishment shared on social media Friday that it would open up this weekend despite the province moving back to Step 1 of COVID-19-related health restrictions — effective noon on April 9 — which prohibits indoor public dining.

The café’s owners did the same thing earlier this year, resulting in a court battle that was ultimately dropped once restrictions were loosened. Alberta Health Services agreed to cover some costs of that legal process commonly incurred when a plaintiff discontinues an application, but not The Whistle Stop’s legal fees, AHS clarifies.

On The Whistle Stop’s Facebook page Friday, owner Christopher Scott gave a tour of his property with a pair of Alberta Health Services employees before they give him a written warning.

RCMP then served Scott a ticket with a court date of May 13 in Stettler. The officer cites having a gathering and offering live entertainment as primary reasons for the ticket.

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Scott tells AHS the rules are “ridiculous.”

AHS told rdnewsNOW Saturday that if Scott doesn’t comply, he will be given a closure order to cease dine-in services and possibly face having his operator’s food handling permit revoked.

“The risks posed by people and businesses choosing to defy public health orders are very real, particularly given the rise in cases involving more contagious variants,” an AHS statement reads.

“It is only when significant risk is identified or continued non-compliance is noted that AHS resorts to enforcement action. We continue to strongly urge everyone to follow the public health restrictions.”

The pandemic can be brought under control faster if people follow public health measures, AHS adds.

rdnewsNOW called The Whistle Stop Café on Saturday morning but were told Scott was too busy to talk.

In another video posted around 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Scott shows off a line-up at the restaurant, along with a stage for live entertainment, fire pit, beer garden and a tented area AHS told him wouldn’t fit within restrictions.

AHS’ ruling on tents, as described to Scott in the Friday video, is that they can either have a tent with four walls and no roof, or a roof and no walls. Scott tells them his has a roof and three walls which they reiterate to him is against the rules.

“Look at all these people that came out here to support us and have some Adamson BBQ today. lf you’re coming down for something to eat, I suggest you try coming down as early as you can and expect a wait,” Scott said Saturday.

“It’s very busy. We got a pretty good process going in the kitchen, so we’re able to get food out pretty fast, but there could be a wait. But that’s also a good thing because you’re going to get to visit with your friends and neighbours.”

Scott is referring to Adamson BBQ in Etobicoke, Ontario — owned by Adam Skelly — which was embroiled in a battle with health authorities in that province earlier this year after he opened despite restrictions.

On Friday, The Whistle Stop advertised Skelly as a guest chef for this weekend’s events.

Alberta Health Services returned to The Whistle Stop Café on Saturday afternoon, and served Scott with a closure order. Further enforcement actions are being considered.

“AHS will continue to uphold all current public health orders and restrictions, with the goal of protecting the public.”