Adamson Barbecue owner Adam Skelly has been arrested after opening his restaurant in direct defiance of lockdown orders in Toronto, with a crowd of BBQ lovers shouting ‘shame!’ as officers dragged him away.
The barbecue restaurant and Skelly himself became the center of controversy this week after he announced in an Instagram video on Tuesday that he was opening his doors. He also questioned lockdown orders and whether Covid-19 cases were being inflated.
#BREAKING Adamson BBQ owner Adam Skelly was just taken away in handcuffs #adamsonbarbecuepic.twitter.com/ezVQ1QHPDU
Skelly had served customers and intended to open again on Thursday, but police changed the locks to his building, according to local media. Supporters showed up outside the restaurant to protest against the move by police.
More police & more people arriving to Adamson BBQ, which remains closed after police changed the locks. Supporters have set up a stage with speakers in the parking lot, where they’re chanting absurdities like “the pandemic isn’t real.” A far cry from simply supporting a business pic.twitter.com/oLtx5PjCEA
It’s past 11am and Adamson BBQ remains closed. Police have blocked the road here, so a delivery truck with food for the restaurant can’t get through. The owner’s supporters are carrying it to the restaurant to hand out in the parking lot. #adamsonbbqpic.twitter.com/95ah74eFt8
The owner of Adamson BBQ vowed to reopen at 11am today- but police have changed the locks so he can’t get in. He’s put out a call for a locksmith & his supporters have returned for day 3. We’re standing by at the scene. I count at least 20 officers here. #adamsonbarbequepic.twitter.com/NiwS2lmBbv
Despite the police presence, demonstrators banged on the door and demanded that it be opened. Skelly called a locksmith, but was taken away in handcuffs for defying health orders. He is currently facing nine non-criminal charges. He is due in court in March.
The crowd getting riled up at Adamson BBQ. People are pounding on the door of the restaurant, chanting “open” and “we’re hungry.” Police changed the locks here this morning. #adamsonbarbecuepic.twitter.com/DAatBpWrIl
Skelly could be seen smiling as he was taken away by Toronto police. One individual even tried disrupting the arrest, as he grabbed at Skelly and cursed at the officers, but he was pushed away.
As he was taken away, protesters yelled things at officers like, “It’s f**king Canada, not North Korea,” and “Shame on you!”
Adamson BBQ owner Adam Skelly arrested at 12:25pm today, here’s another angle. He has a big smile on his face as he’s taken away by police. #adamsonbarbeque#adamsonbarbecuepic.twitter.com/D3M9sKLd4z
The Toronto Police have now arrested Adam Skelly (Owner of Adamson Barbecue) This is how ??Canada?? treats those who stand up for their rights. They NEVER did this during the BLM protests during the lock down. A sad day#adamsonbarbecuepic.twitter.com/stbYIC4sLB
City officials had previously inspected Skelly’s restaurant and announced the charges he was facing.
Toronto Police Super. Dom Sinopoli says Police have charges the owner of Adamson BBQ, Adam Skelly for an unlawful gathering. No one in the crowd was charged by Police. pic.twitter.com/RYzOcWJsfG
Adamson BBQ owner Adam Skelly seems to be enjoying this. He was head nodding to Rage Against the Machine and grinning ear to ear as bylaw officers walked in (he’s in blue and black plaid). Then told media to get off his property. #covid19ontariopic.twitter.com/D2Dgw9NgRU
Protesters have remained at the restaurant demonstrating against the police presence, and at least one person in addition to Skelly has been arrested. They are charged with assaulting a police officer. Skelly was arrested for obstruction.
GATHERING:Queen Elizabeth Rd + Royal York Rd- A second man has been arrested for assaulting a police officer- More information will be released when possible- We will continue to provide updates ^dh
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