Adam Skelly of Adamson Barbecue said he’d finally had enough. He said he completely with two weeks to flatten the curve and the initial lockdowns to stop the virus.
But enough was enough, he said, with the latest lockdown. He was going to open his restaurant in Toronto, Canada, despite the provincial lockdown on indoor dining.
Adamson Barbecue plans to open for dine-in service in Etobicoke despite Toronto being under lockdown – 📹 Adamson Barbecue https://t.co/xNgjKCAFIW #Toronto #Lockdown #AdamsonBarbecue pic.twitter.com/Lrfn6MEBqY
— blogTO (@blogTO) November 24, 2020
I heard reports of this guy being rude to reporters. I am not discounting them but I didn’t see anything lime that personally. Maybe somebody can post that video. What I saw what was a dad fighting for freedom against a system locking it down – and for his 3 year old son Riley pic.twitter.com/8iHvTOwoKU
— Joe Warmington (@joe_warmington) November 25, 2020
First the police threatened the customers with consequences.
Toronto Police speak to patrons of Adamson Barbecue and let them know they may be charged for violating the COVID-19 related protocols. pic.twitter.com/wMAK4ORahy
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) November 25, 2020
Then, the long arm of the authorities dropped on Skelly today. The police broke into his restaurant and then tried to lock him out of it. When he showed up and tried to get in, they put him under arrest. There was a big contingent of police and a bigger contingent of Skelly supporters. One man even intervened and tried to pull him away from the cops. That man was taken to the ground and likely arrested as well.
Adamson BBQ owner Adam Skelly arrested at 12:25pm today, here’s another angle. He has a big smile on his face as he’s taken away by police. #adamsonbarbeque #adamsonbarbecue pic.twitter.com/D3M9sKLd4z
— Tina Yazdani (@TinaYazdani) November 26, 2020
In addition to 18 armed police officers on site I also counted 10 police cars. Don’t see @JohnTory here or @fordnation but the taxpayers are represented here just in case somebody wants to order some ribs pic.twitter.com/e5vtFB5LeK
— Joe Warmington (@joe_warmington) November 26, 2020
Update from police on Adam Skelly’s arrest: he had been advised not to enter the restaurant, he attempted to anyways & pushed through police- at that point he was handcuffed for trespassing. He’s facing 4 new charges and will be held in custody overnight. Bail hearing tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/wnpByN88MQ
— Tina Yazdani (@TinaYazdani) November 26, 2020
Arrested. For trespassing. On his own property. For serving food.
Meanwhile, the people alleged that places like Costco and Walmart are allowed to be open. But not these guys and other small businesses.
Here’s a sample of how true that is.
— Joe Warmington (@joe_warmington) November 26, 2020
(Although I should clarify that the lunch tables at Costcos are not open for seating. But everyone who is ordering food waits inside together in a line-up and there is no phone ahead option.)
— Anthony Furey (@anthonyfurey) November 26, 2020
Meanwhile while the authorities had mounted police out ready to shut down Skelly’s barbecue, they were completely cool with an “Indigenous Rights” protest that blocked the middle of a busy street, also in Toronto, and drew a crowd into a packed intersection. But remember basic liberal rule in force here: liberal/leftist protest = Wuhan coronavirus can’t find you and can’t spread.
I’m stunned
Same city
Same Covid Rules
Same Police forceNot a cop to be found
Yet Adamson BBQ gets a massive show of government force. Small business owner gets arrested
What gives@TorontoPolice @JohnTory @fordnation
Thank God they’re not BBQing 🤨#IStandWithAdam 🔥🍁🔥 https://t.co/C8MrwbVcLD
— HaveWeAllGoneMad (@HaveWeAllGoneM1) November 27, 2020
But while Skelly did get arrested, he may have sparked a mini revolt because other businesses are now refusing to comply rather than go under.
LIVE in Scarborough: in response to their closure, a member of Express Fitness asks why alcohol is essential but exercise isn’t. pic.twitter.com/07AEIGZaQq
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) November 26, 2020
Toronto Police and bylaw officers have moved in to the gym as members express frustration outside #onpoli #topoli pic.twitter.com/XrFPzVjYFM
— NEWSTALK1010 (@NEWSTALK1010) November 26, 2020
