Kingston Police investigating premature opening allegations against local nail salons

Kingston Police say they have received information that one or more local nail salons may have been operating prior to the Government of Ontario’s Stage 2 reopening date of June 12, 2020.

“Doing so would be an offence for business owners or operators
of these establishments under the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA),” said investigating officer Kingston Police Sgt Steve Koopman in a press release. “As a result Kingston Police is conducting an investigation into the validity of these claims and would like to speak to or hear from anyone who has first-hand information regarding whether any nail salons or other personal care services were operating on June 11 or earlier.”

Kingston Police say that the investigation would be focused on the business and not the clientele, so customers who attended and received services prior to the June 12 Stage 2 reopening date are also encouraged to contact police. Sergeant Koopman emphasizes that customers who come forward will not be subject to prosecution. “I want to highlight (the investigation) will be focusing on any possible offences from a business perspective, so clientele who may have attended prior to June 12 are also asked to reach out without fear of repercussion,” said Sergeant Koopman in a subsequent social media post.

If the allegations are found to be true, the business or businesses would be subject to a Provincial Offences Notice with a set fine of $880, in addition to a Part I Summons which can be issued for up to $1,000, as well as a Part III Summons with no set fine, where the EMCPA states the maximum fine is up to $100,000, according to Sergeant Koopman.

Anyone with direct information is asked to contact Sergeant Koopman at [email protected] or 613-549-4600 ext. 6186. Tips can also be provided anonymously by calling the Kingston Police general number at 613-549-4660 ext. 0 and asking to remain anonymous. Please provide the occurrence number #20-22538 when doing so.

For continuing issues with any nail salons or other personal care services in terms of public health orders or recommended best practices, residents can also submit an online complaint form directly to KFL&A Public Health here: https://kfla.formbuilder.ca/Environmental-Health/COVID-19Complaints