Attention shoppers: box stores, restaurants targeted by weekend enforcement blitz

Big box stores and other retailers in Waterloo region that are open to sell essential items may find provincial inspectors inside their buildings this weekend as part of a provincial COVID-19 enforcement blitz.

The province announced inspectors will visit approximately 400 stores this weekend in Toronto, Hamilton and Kitchener-Waterloo. They will be looking to ensure retailers are following health guidelines and properly protecting workers and customers.

Provincial offences officers, local public health inspectors and municipal bylaw officers are expected to be in big-box outlets, retail stores, restaurants providing take-out meals and at other essential services such as gas stations.

Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton said so far this year, inspectors have issued 112 tickets to businesses and individuals during three inspection campaigns at more than 1,000 businesses. Other blitzes have taken place in Niagara, Ottawa, Windsor and Durham region.

McNaughton says while the majority of businesses are following the rules, "if we find businesses putting people at risk, we will take immediate action. This late in the pandemic, there is absolutely no excuse for owners, staff and customers alike not to be following health and safety rules."