Vancouver’s Corduroy Restaurant has reopened for takeout and delivery service, according to its website.
The Kitsilano eatery made headlines last month when it 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.
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Dozens of supporters could be seen gathered outside the Kitsilano restaurant after 6 p.m.
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Try refreshing your browser, or COVID-19: Corduroy restaurant holds rally, but industry spokesman calls it a foolish mistake Back to video
In social media posts, Rebecca Matthews said the rally’s goal is to raise awareness of the “incredible harm” provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s health orders have had on small businesses.
She adds she wants answers, claiming the “big guys” have made millions at the expense of shuttered small businesses.
In late March, Henry issued an order closing down indoor dining at restaurants as part of a slew of “circuit breaker” measures to curb rising case numbers; the measures have since been extended until after the Victoria Day long weekend. Takeout orders and patio dining are still allowed.
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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The owner of a Vancouver restaurant who said this week she plans to host a “rally and dance party” to protest the current public health orders, has now apologized for her terminology, but she is not backtracking on her plans.
“I apologize if I offended anybody with my choice of words,” said Rebecca Matthews in an Instagram post.
Matthews is the owner of Corduroy Lounge in Kitsilano. Earlier this month, the restaurant served customers indoors despite British Columbia’s current restrictions on indoor dining.
Later, a video was shared on social media showing the restaurant crowded with patrons. Matthews could be seen speaking to Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) inspectors as people inside the restaurant chanted “get out.”
Matthews now says that she plans to host a protest on Friday evening called “The Great Reset.”
“I know not everyone shares our views, but we are in complete disagreement with the current health orders,” she says. “We are peacefully protesting this Friday to raise awareness to the incredible harm Dr. Bonnie’s recent decision has done to thousands of people.”
The rally is planned to take place in front of Cornwall Avenue in Kitsilano, in front of Corduroy Restaurant. Matthews says in an Instagram post that there will be “music, dancing, and speeches,” adding that they’re “taking over the street.”