Toronto City Police have arrested Adamson Barbecue owner Adam Skelly after he tried to open his business for a third day in spite of lockdowns.
Video footage from early Thursday afternoon shows Skelly in handcuffs as he is escorted to a police vehicle.
Skelly had vowed to open his restaurant, Adamson Barbecue at 7 Queen Elizabeth Blvd. in Etobicoke for a third day in protest of new restrictions placed on business owners by the Ford government.
Early Thursday morning, Toronto Police forced their way into the restaurant with the help of a locksmith. The locksmith reportedly changed the locks to the building to prevent staff and customers from entering.
Owner Adam Skelly told the media that he will attempt to open the business regardless of the setbacks.
“If there’s any way I can do it, we will be open today for lunch, for dine-in service,” he said.
“You’ll see.”
While no one has been fined or arrested for eating at the restaurant, on Wednesday evening police laid nine charges against Skelly.
Police remained on site throughout the morning, forming a human barrier to prevent people from approaching the doors of the restaurant.
By 11:00 AM a large crowd assembled in front of the building, demanding that police allow them to enter the restaurant. The Toronto Sun’s Joe Warmington indicates there are around 20 or more police officers present as customers and supporters have begun protesting the City’s actions.
Around the time of Skelly’s arrest, a contingent of police on horseback moved into the area as police appeared to be taking more aggressive action to disperse the protest.
More to come.
