Toronto restaurant requesting masks indoors and that unvaccinated sit outside

“With the volatility of the weather and our limited capacity to have diners indoors, we ask respectfully that if you are not vaccinated, that you choose outdoor dining when available,” reads Oakwood Hardware's statement, adding, “we would hope that people… understand that… the precarious nature of lockdowns have us wary.”

The decision is not meant to entice a debate on vaccines, rather to prioritize the well-being of staff and clientele, reported CTV News.

“It is about the fact that since there is no provincially mandated “passport,” each business has to make up [their] own guidelines with regard to vaccinated [and] unvaccinated diners indoors,” the statement reads. “I do not set these parameters without full awareness that it may impact business adversely with some of you,” the statement reads.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford shared his opposition mid-July to implementing a provincial vaccine passport stating that it would cause a split society. "I’ve never believed in proof," said Ford. "The answer is no. We aren’t going to do it. We aren’t going to have a split society."

Ford also stated that he did not support workplaces requiring proof of vaccination, but said he would allow private companies to make their own decisions on the matter.

Despite the potential for lost business, ownership is requiring masks indoors and in public spaces when not eating or drinking, contact tracing, to “make us all a little safer.”

On Tuesday, Toronto city councillor Josh Matlow praised Oakwood Hardware's decision, stating that he was "proud" of them for the “gutsy and smart move to protect [its’] customers’ health.”