Smoke shops in Rama First Nation, which sell cheap cigarettes to patrons, will remain closed for several weeks.
Earlier this month, Rama First Nation Chief Rodney Noganosh and his council colleagues unanimously agreed to close tobacco retail stores on the reserve.
In a letter sent to smoke shop operators, it was stated that the stores would be closed effective 6 p.m. on April 8 until at least April 15.
This week, chief and council extended the “emergency closure” until May 13.
“Chief and Council ... will review the situation at that time to determine any next steps,” said a statement emailed to OrilliaMatters.
“This decision was not taken lightly but was necessary in response to COVID-19 and dramatically reducing visitor traffic to the community.”
When word got out that the shops were closing at 6 p.m. on April 8, people began flooding to the reserve east of Orillia to stock up on their smokes.
Traffic was lined up and down Rama Road and soon, stock ran out and the stores ended up closing before the deadline.
The traffic chaos prompted OPP officers to attend to help control traffic.
In the letter originally sent to smoke shops, chief and council explained the rationale.
"COVID-19 has created significant concerns for the community, particularly the ongoing volume of traffic from visitors. We must provide a safer environment for community members," noted the letter.
"Rather than suspend or revoke your business licence under the business licensing bylaw or issue a community-wide trespass ban under the Indian Act, we trust that you will cooperate and respect this temporary closure order," the letter concludes.
“These are unprecedented times and government responses have continued to change in response to the pandemic,” noted an April 8 statement from Rama First Nation.
“Chief and Council are working with local tobacco storefront businesses for the health and protection of our members and visitors from COVID-19. Chief and Council would like to acknowledge our storefront businesses for their support in taking this step to help stem the transmission of COVID-19. We ask their patrons to do their part by staying home, purchasing locally and self-isolating until we flatten the curve in Ontario.”
