An MHA in central Newfoundland says a local business is being crushed by a cabinet minister who refuses to be flexible.

The Classic Theatre in Grand Falls-Windsor has well over 200 seats and asked government to waive the 50-person capacity cap currently in place.

Chris Tibbs, the PC MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans, told VOCM Open Line with Tim Powers that they are simply asking to be able to operate at 40 per cent capacity, with appropriate social distancing, and dedicated entrances and exits.

Tibbs says bars and other businesses can have more than 50 patrons, which he agrees with, but he doesn’t understand why there is no flexibility for a theatre.

The theatre’s plan called for 40 per cent instead of 23 per cent, which would allow for enough people to keep the business operating. He agrees with keeping people safe but says in the case of Classic Theatre, it’s a double standard.