Hamilton’s Starlite Drive-In says they are reopen for business with strict precautions in place

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Published March 20, 2020 at 3:15 pm

Hamilton’s Starlite Drive-In announced Thursday (March 19) that they will be open again for business on Friday, despite current widespread social distancing practices throughout the city.

Hamilton’s Starlite Drive-In announced Thursday (March 19) that they will be open again for business on Friday, despite current widespread social distancing practices throughout the city.

In a letter posted to the Starlite’s Facebook page, the drive-in movie theatre says they have consulted with “health officials” and Hamilton Public Health and that they have been given the “go-ahead to reopen our facilities to the public.”

Starlite says they will be strictly adhering to guidelines laid out by Public Health. Some of the measures include:

  • Washing hard surfaces with bleach every 30 minutes
  • Propping open washroom doors so staff and patrons won’t have to touch them
  • The playground and volleyball court will not be accessible to the public
  • Video game machines will be turned off
  • Employees will be required to wear latex gloves
  • Staff will be monitoring bathroom and concession lineups to make sure strict social distancing practices are followed
  • And cars will be asked to park appropriate distances apart

Earlier this week, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and theatres closed their doors after the province declared a state of emergency.

Many Hamilton businesses were forced to rethink their approach to business in this challenging climate.

Starlite’s announcement was met with some pretty strong opposition from social media users.

A lot of people on Facebook seemed outraged by the notion that the business was reopening as people are struggling to adhere to strict social distancing recommendations.

“Seriously how do we get this shut down?” wrote one Facebook user.

“Ridiculous! And the stipulations – bathroom doors open with staff guarding them. And all minimum wage staff. Anyone can watch any movie from home. Fred Eisenberger please look into this. It’s not responsible.”

“This is irresponsible. We are being told to stay home. This is not staying home,” wrote another.

Others took a more cautious though conciliatory tone to the announcement.

“I’d love to be able to return to work as an educator but I’d also like to be able to support local businesses- do you offer gift cards?” said one user.

UPDATE: Posted below is the response from Public Health:

Starlite was in contact with Hamilton Public Health Services (PHS) staff regarding food safety as part of our business continuity. In addition, PHS provided information about social distancing measures. Please note the business closures ordered under the province’s declaration of emergency apply to specific businesses only.

Public Health Services is providing guidance to business owners and members of the public concerning infection prevention and control measures in response to #COVID19. Some businesses remain open as the provincial enactment of the Emergency Measures Act applies to certain types of business only. The decision to open remains that of the business owner/operator.

Photo courtesy Starlite Drive-In’s Facebook page

UPDATE:

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