While multiple small businesses are forced to close their doors, Toronto-area sex shops are permitted to have in-person shopping because they are considered “safety supply stores” under Ontario’s lockdown regulations.
The categorization as “safety supply stores” is due to the fact that sex shops often sell condoms and other forms of sexual protection.
One business owner told blogTO that she confirmed with an official Ontario government coronavirus hotline that sex shops were in fact considered essential services.
“It is true that we’re open as an essential service under the safety supplies category,” said Veronica Kazoleas who owns The Nookie.
“We’re honoured to support the sexual safety of our community during these unprecedented times. We’re particularly grateful to continue to serve marginalized populations who may not have a credit card or even the internet access that would allow them to order curbside pickup for our essential supplies.”
In November, Toronto restaurant owner Adam Skelly sparked international controversy after he opened Adamson Barbecue for indoor dining as a way to protest the province’s new lockdown orders.
Skelly, who was painted as a racist and lawbreaker by the mainstream media, was eventually fined, arrested and issued several charges related to the incident.
According to the government’s regulations, restaurants in the Toronto-area can only serve customers food by way of delivery, curbside pick up or takeout.
