My husband and I went to Bailey's this past week. New residents to the area, we thought we would try out one of the local spots. We intended to have breakfast on the patio, on a very warm summer morning. We were instantly met with hostility from the hostess as my husband was not wearing a mask. He explained he has a medical mask exemption (mental health disability) and she continued to say no service without a mask and to call the Health Inspector. Last we checked, this is against the Human Rights Code. As per the Ontario.ca website "You do not need to wear a face covering if you:
have a medical condition that inhibits your ability to wear a face covering
are unable to put on or remove your face covering without help from someone else
are receiving accommodations according to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 or the Human Rights Code"
Even on the Hastings Public Heath website, on the Masks and face Covers page it clearly states, "While individuals who refuse to wear a face covering should indicate why they are exempt from the regulations, they do not need to provide proof of exemption..... While businesses/establishments are encouraged to allow access to individuals who are exempt from face covering requirements, they are entitled to refuse access to those who do not wear face coverings so long as they offer alternate methods of service.... HPEPH recognizes that certain individuals may be unable to wear a face covering. While individuals should indicate why they are exempt from these requirements, there is no need for establishments to request proof of exemption from these individuals. HPEPH continues to ask for the cooperation of establishments and community members to carry out these requirements with respect and kindness."
We were told no mask, no service. Hopefully, this can be rectified with some clarity on the issue from the health inspector, so that others with a disability are not violated of their rights in the future.
Needless to say, we took our business elsewhere, and we wont ever return.