Adam Skelly, the owner of the Adamson Barbecue, is charged with an ordinary charge of attempting to obstruct the police, misfortune, failing to comply with a continuing order, and failing to give instructions.
The restaurant was seized early this morning by Toronto police, locks were replaced, and access to the premises was restricted to all, Toronto Police Inspector Dom Sinopoli said at a press conference late Thursday afternoon.
Sinopoli said it “gave the owner (Skelly) some leeway to access the back of the building.” Entering the back of the building, Skelly broke through the drywall, entered the restaurant and damaged locks placed by the city, Sinopoli said.
CNN’s CNC partner, CBC, previously reported nine charges against Skelly on Wednesday, including violating indoor eating rules, holding illegal gatherings and doing business without a license.
Synopoli also talked about encountering “different views” around the restaurant, which was very loud and “very anti-police at times.” Another man was arrested at the demonstration and charged with one police obstruction, six police abuses, including spitting on an officer, committing two death threats and disobeying a continuing order. Sinopoli said.
Skelly and this man are also on trial in Friday’s Class 23 bail trial, Sinopoli said.
Skelly has been served with a letter of violation and another letter is being posted at the restaurant preventing anyone from accessing the building and the adjacent parking lot, Sinopoli said. Toronto public health occupied the entire building, Sinopoli said.
Toronto City Mayor John Tory said he thinks Skelly is making a political statement.
“He had a lot of anti-mask men there,” Tory told Erica Hill on CNN’s new day, Thursday morning.
“It was like a festival they had to try to celebrate their unorthodox views.”
“But I think the vast majority of people don’t accept that. They’re trying hard to make sacrifices, which in some cases are horrible, to make sure we can all be healthy,” Tory said, adding that he believes Skelly will do it. shall be subject to a huge fine “if convicted.
CNN could not identify the lawyer representing Skelly.
