Police called after altercation involving anti-maskers at Ottawa business
Ottawa police were forced to respond to an incident on Bank Street Thursday night just after 7:00 p.m. when an altercation unfolded between a group of anti-maskers and staff at a restaurant.
The incident was caught on video and streamed live over social media, appearing to show a fight between an employee and a customer.
In a statement, Gabriel’s Pizza said police are investigating the incident.
"We are aware of an incident which took place...The incident is currently under investigation with the Ottawa Police Service, and we are fully cooperating with their investigation," a spokesperson for the Ottawa pizza chain wrote in an email.
CTV News reached out to the parties involved in the video but did not hear back.
In a comment on social media, the poster of the video wrote they are entering businesses and choosing not to follow public health guidelines - like masking or showing proof of vaccination - in order to, "Try our best to teach businesss (sic) the real law which so far has been really successful until now."
"There’s a very blatant hypocrisy in the fact that these groups were previously chanting about small businesses and now are making their way into businesses small and large looking to harass the workers,” said Toronto-based lawyer Caryma Sa’d.
Gabriel’s Pizza wrote in a statement that Thursday’s incident is not isolated, writing that people, "Call the specific store with threatening comments," and "relay vulgar language to our hostess and young staff members."
Gabriel Pizza adds that they will continue to follow all public health protocols and that they will not tolerate "the harassment of our valued customers and staff."
Business advocates say the incident highlights a growing challenge.
"When we see people who are out trying to bring people together by putting pressure against businesses who are just following the government mandate rules, it’s incredibly frustrating," small business advocate Michael Wood said.
Wood says there are concerns these incidents could increase.
"I think we need bylaw to be ready, I understand that they’re overloaded, we need OPS to be ready to engage because each right now we don’t need any additional pressures in small business," Wood said.
CTV News Ottawa contacted both the Ottawa Police Service and Ottawa Bylaw and Regulatory Services but did not receive a response by deadline.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.