Patrons explore legal options after getting COVID-19 at Calgary restaurant

CALGARY — Dozens of COVID-19 cases tied to an outbreak at a Calgary restaurant could spell trouble for the entire industry.

Some people who contracted COVID-19 from a JOEY location in Calgary say they are contacting a Calgary law group to explore their legal options.

“We’ve been contacted by a number of patrons who are really concerned about their health and about the potential that JOEY didn’t do enough to protect their health,” said Matthew Farrell, barrister and solicitor at Guardian Law Group.

“And we’re still investigating that, I want to be clear that we’re not leveling any allegations at this time but it is something that we’re looking into.”

WATCH: Another JOEY restaurant shutting down due to COVID-19 (March 28)

But specific allegations or not, it’s a concerning development for others in the industry who are following health guidelines.

Especially in an industry that has long maintained it can operate safely during the pandemic.

“Well, of course, I think we’re following very closely,” said Sal Howell the owner of Calgary’s River Café and Deane House. “It’s of great concern, as is the situation. Every operator needs to continue with diligent screenings and checks, wellness checks at the beginning of every business day to make sure everyone is well.

Added Ernie Tsu, president of the Alberta Hospitality Association: “By no means is it good news, but at the end of the day, those outbreaks do not represent the whole province. What restaurants have to make sure they’re doing a little better job of is ensuring we don’t have guest table-hopping, moving from table to table, because that is part of the protocols.”

And while simply following the protocols may not be enough to protect you from the court, it’s a good start.

“There are two points at which you can be held to account,” said Farrell. “One is at the front end by the government when they regulate you and the other is on the back end when somebody experiences a problem and they sue you.

“Take care of people or suffer the consequences.”

-with files from Henna Saeed