LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. Many southern Alberta business owners who vowed to break COVID-19 restrictions this week were more reserved Monday, instead choosing to book future appointments and speak with clients, instead of violating health orders. That was until late Monday afternoon, when Lethbridge police announced one business had been charged with non-compliance of the Public Health Act for contravening a public health order. As many as 30 small businesses in Lethbridge had threatened to reopen Monday even though the Alberta government extended restrictions in the province until at least Jan. 21. A week ago, Lethbridge gym owner Lee Mein posted a video on his Facebook page that it was “time to take a stand,” adding he was opening the Canadian Marshal Arts Centre on Jan. 11.
LETHBRIDGE The owner of Peppermint Hippo Tattoo said he will be open for business on Monday regardless of what protocols are in place. Will Woods said he’s heard that up to 20 small business owners in Lethbridge are also planning to open on Jan. 11, although most are not making their intentions public at this time. Woods said it doesn’t make sense to keep small businesses that had been following the rules stay closed, while big companies are open and flourishing. “We’re frustrated and upset,” he said. Woods added seeing so many politicians travel over the Christmas holidays was “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”