Large crowd gathers to protest public health orders at Vancouver restaurant (PHOTOS)
Crowds of people gathered outside a Vancouver restaurant on Friday for a “rally and protest” against COVID-19 public health orders.
Photos shared with Daily Hive show dozens of people gathered outside Corduroy Lounge in Kitsilano, many without masks on.
Video posted on the restaurant’s Instagram page shows Cornwall Avenue packed with people – some seated in folding chairs, others holding signs – as music plays.
Outdoor gatherings are currently limited to 10 people in British Columbia.
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@corduroyrestaurant/Instagram
@corduroyrestaurant/Instagram
@corduroyrestaurant/Instagram
The protest, called “The Great Reset,” featured music, dancing, and speeches, according to a post advertising the event.
“I know not everyone shares our views but we are in complete disagreement with the current health orders,” Rebecca Matthews, the owner of Corduroy, wrote on Instagram.
“There are much better ways to save and protect the vulnerable without destroying small businesses.”
Matthews had originally billed the event as a “rally and dance party,” but changed her wording after receiving backlash.
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Earlier this month, Corduroy Lounge defied British Columbia’s ban on indoor dining and served customers inside.
Video was later shared on social media showing the restaurant crowded with patrons. When Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) inspectors arrived, diners began chanting “get out.”
The City of Vancouver subsequently suspended Corduroy’s business licence, although it was reinstated on April 20. Its liquor licence was also suspended.
To date, BC has reported 123,758 COVID-19 cases and 1,554 virus-related deaths.
With files from Vincent Plana and Eric Zimmer. Daily Hive has reached out to the Vancouver Police Department and will update this story accordingly.
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