Police investigating ‘disturbance’ involving proof of vaccination refusal at Hamilton McDonald’s

Hamilton police say they are investigating an incident tied to an individual refusing to leave a McDonald’s dining area after failing to provide proof of vaccination.

Investigators say officers responded to the “premise disturbance” just after 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday at McDonald’s inside the Wal-Mart, located at 674 Upper James St.

“The female was not wearing a mask, refusing to provide proof of vaccination, took a seat in the dining area and refusing to leave the store,” Const. Indy Bharaj told Global News in an e-mail.

“While enroute to the call, police were advised that the female struck a staff member of McDonalds in the face before leaving the store.”

No one was seriously injured in the incident.

The suspect is described as a female 25 to 30 years old, five feet seven inches, medium build with blonde shoulder length hair. She was also wearing black pants and a black jacket.

The investigation is ongoing.

Ontario’s proof-of-vaccination policy went into effect on Wednesday.

Patrons at certain “high risk” settings in the province will need to provide their ID and receipt of full vaccination against COVID-19 to enter places like gyms, recreation facilities, movie theatres, indoor dining at restaurants, and other non-essential businesses.

On Friday, The Canadian Press reported very few incidents among Ontario’s major police services since the province’s policy started.

Most incidents reported to police have involved people who refused to show proof of vaccination.

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