Business owner to be charged for defying order to close, police say

A woman will be charged after she allegedly defied an order to close her non-essential business in Guelph.

On Tuesday night, the Province of Ontario orderedall non-essential stores and services to close to slow the spread of COVID-19.

On Thursday, police said officers saw a customer leave a non-essential business near Woodlawn Road W. and Woolwich Street in Guelph.

They stopped the male and asked if the business was open. Police say the man confirmed it was open and providing services.

About 15 minutes later,officers tried the door but itwas locked and there was no answer, police said.

Now, the owner of the business will be issued a summons under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

A 48-year-old woman of Maple, Ont., will be charged with fail to comply with an order made during a declared emergency.

She is scheduled to appear in court.