The owner of a Lower Sackville restaurant says an allegation was made after he interacted with Health Protection Act enforcement officers regarding the use of a mask at the restaurant.
John Giannakos, owner of Hellas Family Restaurant, caught fire earlier in the week in calling customers asking about the use of “sheeple” mascara.
In a Facebook post on Friday, the restaurant responded to criticism from customer allegations that employees were not following mandatory masking rules for indoor establishments aimed at slowing the spread of the virus.
“To all SHEEPLE, thanks for your comments, most publicity is free,” read the post.
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Hellas Restaurant was on the radar of regional health officials. At Friday’s COVID-19 preparatory meeting, Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief health officer, said he was aware of the conflict and that an investigation was ongoing.
That day, Giannakos released a YouTube video about his interaction with two RCMP officers and a health inspector who visited the restaurant.
Saturday night, the restaurant posted on Facebook that a charge had been made.
“I was fined yesterday when my bandana slipped under my big nose and landed on my lips,” read the post. “Front cover must always cover nose down to chin. Uh, fine $ $ four figures. ”
The post also states that it has received messages from supportive members of the community, “with 95% consent. ”
However, in the comments section under the post there are hundreds of comments rejecting the actions of the restaurant owner.
“You may lose what you did and be so careless about losing your business. I will never eat again, ”read one comment.
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Another YouTube video posted on Saturday by Giannakos states that he was fined “for complaining.” In the video, Giannakos says there is not enough information available on COVID-19 and undermines trust in federal and regional governments.
Also in the video is a photo of the ticket that Giannakos says was taken out.
The offense on the ticket reads that the person did not comply with part of the Health Protection Act, “everyone must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth while in attendance the public place. ”
Tickets are fined $ 1,000.
A photo of a YouTube video posted from an account used by John Giannakos, owner of Hellas Restaurant in Lower Sackville.
YouTube / John G.
Indoor venues, such as bars, restaurants and public facilities reopened to the public on Monday. As part of the reopening rules, mask use is required for all customers and employees, unless they are seated at a table.
Global News has reached out to the RCMP and the province to confirm the allegation.
Hellas Restaurant was closed on Sunday.
– With files from Graeme Benjamin.
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