Mandate-defiant eatery asks for help

A SANCTUARY Cove restaurant that openly defied vaccine mandates is crowdfunding to keep its business above water.

Artichoke Restaurant was ordered to close under the Public Health Act and fined $6892 for not complying with public health direction.

The restaurant held an impromptu, free Christmas lunch on Saturday for the public.

Staff member Allessandia Murray said it had taken a financial hit after the lunch.

“We weren’t super busy but it did mean we didn’t have to cancel any of our pre-booked tables, and it didn’t ruin their Christmas,” she said.

“We are unsure what will happen for New Year’s Eve as we did take a loss for being open on Christmas day for free.”

Ms Murray set up a GoFundMe with the goal of raising $10,000 to help the restaurant fight legal fees and running costs. About $1700 had been donated.

“We have staff with families with young children and with no notice (they) lost their incomes moments before Christmas,” she said.

“My heart breaks for the children this has affected and the families torn apart by this insanity. If you would like to show your support for Artichoke restaurant, for the staff, the families, the children, to get us all back into our jobs, to get Artichoke back on its feet we would love and appreciate the support.”

Artichoke owner Grant Madgwick said the business was struggling but he was adamant it would continue trading. “My doors will always be open. We have had support and people reaching out to help pay for our fine.”

Mr Madgwick said he had to employ both his children to work in the kitchen as a result of losing staff worried about the mandate. “It’s crumbling around me. It’s heartbreaking. Bills are piling up. When the money runs out, zero means zero.”

WE HAVE STAFF WITH FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN AND WITH NO NOTICE (THEY) LOST THEIR INCOMES MOMENTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS

ARTICHOKE’S ALLESSANDIA MURRAY