The first weekend of the Phase 2 reopenings of select Ontario municipalities is in the books, and for many it was a great success and relief.
As of Friday, the Simcoe-Muskoka region was among the 24 of 34 health districts that could open up with restrictions. Restaurant and bar patios, shopping malls, barbers, hair salons, pools, places or worship and a short list of other operations were able to open their doors.
Malones Pint House has stayed closed for the entirety of the lockdown. Owner Sarah Lynne Maloney said she was excited to see her patrons, as they were to see her.
“Everyone is so happy and enjoying the great weather. We’ve been full this weekend and hearing a lot of comments about how great it is to be out and how this is going to be good for their soul,” Maloney told BarrieToday.
When the lockdown began in mid-March, many establishments offered take-out deals. Maloney said she avoided any form of staying open, mainly for her staff, with some worried at the time.
“We have some staff with little kids and nobody knew what to expect,” said Maloney. “I honestly didn't think it would last as long as it has, but we are just glad to be back open and seeing the many friendly faces we’ve missed.”
Maloney said the first weekend back was "well-earned by many people. Our staff is happy to be back and the patrons are definitely having a good time.”
The Patios Everywhere Program was recently approved by city council. The program sees fees for restaurant patios waived until Oct. 15, and would allow patios to expand into parking lots.
Malones, located at the intersection of Bradford and Victoria streets, has room on their patio for approximately 40 people and hopes to add more space soon.
“We will be expanding the patio and just had a few things to do before doing so,” said Maloney.
