Vancouver suspends business licences of 2 restaurants that defied COVID-19 closure orders

Two Vancouver restaurants that opened in defiance of COVID-19 health orders have had their business licences suspended and have been ordered closed until April 20 by the City of Vancouver.

Corduroy Lounge in Kitsilano and Gustoin the Olympic Village both violated restrictions against indoor dining last week and ignored closure notices issued by Vancouver Coastal Health.

"...I haveconcluded that your business is harmful to the health and safety of the community andguilty of gross misconduct," wrote Vancouver's chief licence inspector Kathryn Holmin her letters to each of the restaurants.

Holm said both Corduroy and Gustorisked further suspension if they do not comply.

"Pursuant to Section 4(3) of License By-law No. 4450, if you are convicted ofcarrying on business without a licence, you may be refused a business licence in theCity of Vancouver for the next five years."

Two health inspectors were shouted out of Corduroyon Saturdayby patrons chanting "get out," and then yelled at on the sidewalk outside the restaurant.

Health inspectors in Vancouver jeered out of restaurant by diners breaking pandemic rules

3 years ago

Duration 0:36

Patrons inside Corduroy Restaurant in Vancouver shouted 'get out' at two officials until the pair left.

Video taken inside by a local anti-mask activist shows a large group of peoplechanting "freedom" and millingbetween tables, maskless.

"I think the whole country was aghast at the behaviour of these restaurant owners who openlydefied public health orders in the face of rising case counts and the spread of variants," said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart in a statement.

"Theharassment and bullying public health officials experienced during the execution of their dutiesis completely unacceptable."

B.C. is going throughanother spike in COVID-19 cases, withone-day records set on both Friday and Saturday.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry introduced new orders on March 30 further restricting the operations of B.C. restaurants, religious groups and fitness gymsuntil April 19.

Henry saidthe province is experiencing exponential growth in COVID-19 transmissions and vaccinations haven't yet reached enough people to contain the spread.