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A Tim Hortons franchise in downtown Vancouver had its business licence suspended for violating orders limiting the number of people allowed in the restaurant.

Both the city of Vancouver and the B.C. government issued orders last week restricting all restaurants to takeout or delivery only in an effort to boost social distancing measures in light of COVID-19.

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On Thursday, city inspectors, who had visited the Tim Hortons at 108 West Pender Street on four occasions and issued several warnings, punished the coffee shop with a three-day licence suspension.

The city said the Tim Hortons’ failure to comply to the provincial health order was considered to be “a gross misconduct.”

A Tim Hortons spokesperson says the suspension resulted from an “unfortunate isolated incident in a very challenging neighbourhood.”

“In this particular case in Vancouver’s downtown eastside, the bylaw officer said there was an additional person in the restaurant exceeding local guidelines – 11 not 10 people,” said Mary Lowe, head of communications for Tim Hortons.

“The restaurant owner works diligently to serve the guests who frequent her store who often have challenging social needs. The restaurant management worked with the bylaw officer to meet local standards – including adding taped boxes, as it was lines taped on the floor, for guests to stand in, as requested by the bylaw officer. She will also work to enforce the 10-person rule and will request police support as needed to help her enforce this.”

Lowe said the restaurant is complying with the suspension and will reopen on Monday.

City inspectors have checked more than 5,800 restaurants and 1,000 personal care facilities since March 20.

Through its 311 information line, the city says it has received 69 complaints about restaurants and 11 about personal service establishments such as salons, which were ordered closed by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.

Businesses who violate the city of Vancouver’s State of Emergency bylaw by failing to comply with social distancing orders can be prosecuted and fined as much as $50,000.

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