Vancouver’s Corduroy restaurant ordered to close by province for defying COVID-19 rules

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — A Kitsilano restaurant has been ordered to close by the province after defying B.C.’s ban on indoor dining for two straight nights, according to police.

Const. Tania Visintin says the Vancouver Police Department received “several complaints” about the eatery on Saturday evening.

“The VPD Liquor Coordinator attended Corduroy restaurant with Provincial Health Officers (PHO),” she says in an email.

“The PHO has issued the restaurant a full closure.”

No fines have been issued, and no arrests were made, according to Visintin.

Rebecca Matthews told NEWS 1130 that Corduroy, her Kitsilano restaurant was “full again” at 5 p.m. Saturday. Chatter could be heard in the background, and when asked if anyone had called or visited to enforce the provincial health order she said, “No. Not yet.” She also said dividers have been installed between tables, and groups are being limited to six people.

Matthews announced her intention to open in spite of the province’s ban on indoor dining — which was introduced last week amid surging case numbers — at a rally Friday afternoon.

Video posted to social media which appears to show a crowd gathered Friday night shows patrons chanting “Freedom,” and a crowd of patrons milling about maskless.

RELATED: Vancouver eatery flouting COVID-19 rules ‘packed all night’: owner

Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth told NEWS 1130 the eatery is risking a range of repercussions, listing various agencies that have the authority to levy fines or otherwise intervene.

“This restaurant needs to, like every other restaurant in the province, follow the provincial health officer’s orders. It’s completely irresponsible not to be doing so,” he said.

“If they were inviting people to come on down, which is the allegation I’ve heard, they may well find themselves facing significant penalties — not just the tickets that can be issued under the provincial health officer’s orders or the Emergency Program Act —  but certainly they could get themselves in trouble with the liquor licencing within the city and it will not surprise me if WorkSafe or the police investigate.”

The restaurant is open for business once again. Although the Minister of Public Safety says the city, the police, WorkSafeBC, and Vancouver Coastal Health can all take action, so far no tickets have been issued, no fines levied, no closure orders made. https://t.co/5j9Ho5hwEt

— Lisa Steacy (@lisa_steacy) April 4, 2021

NEWS 1130 reached out to the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver Coastal Health, and WorkSafeBC Friday night after reporting that the restaurant was contravening the order by opening for indoor dining.

In their reply Friday, the city said issuing tickets to those contravening the Provincial Health Order is the jurisdiction of the province or the police.

“Enforcing physical distancing in public with penalties is the jurisdiction of the Province, and they will be able to confirm if a ticket or fine has been issued for this location. The Province announced measures on Friday, August 21, that provide increased enforcement powers for police and special constables across the Lower Mainland,” an email reads.

“The VPD is the agency that enforces provincial health orders at private parties. City enforcement staff and park rangers actively provide education about compliance with provincial health orders at the City’s beaches, parks, bars, restaurants, and businesses offering personal services. City enforcement staff involve the VPD when dealing with people or businesses who are persistent offenders.”

On Saturday morning the police said no action had been taken and suggested NEWS 1130 contact the city.

Another Vancouver restaurant operating in violation of the ban on indoor dining was ordered to close Friday by Vancouver Coastal Health. When asked Saturday if similar action is being planned or has been taken against Corduroy, a spokesperson would not comment.

“Establishments that are non-compliant with plan requirements may face orders and fines, and possible referral to VCH public health which may result in a closure order,” an email says.

“For queries specific to the enforcement of public health orders, please defer to the Ministry of Health, Emergency Management BC, or the Ministry of Public Safety Solicitor General.”

WorkSafeBC also said in an email Saturday that, “Enforcement of PHO orders is in the domain of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.” However, a spokesperson indicated an inspection could take place over the weekend, and directed anyone concerned to make a report by contacting their prevention information line.