Misdirected frustration at restaurants and staff taking its toll

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – As the BC Vaccine Card took effect last week, there was understandable frustration and anger from residents. Unfortunately, that frustration and anger have been directed at the people struggling to keep businesses afloat.

Audie Louie Banania of Audielicious took to Facebook on Saturday to say what he and his staff have been subjected to as a result of following provincial health orders. While he understands and feels the frustration himself, he says degrading people working in the hospitality field isn’t helping the current situation.

“People [are] calling me idiot, coward etc., because of following this government mandate to ask for Vaccine Passport upon entry in the restaurant. Some are trying to bribe my staff just to enter the restaurant without the passport,” said Banania, adding that staff at other restaurants and his start every day under a dark cloud. “They know exactly what’s going to happen to them before starting their shift, how many rude customers they will be facing, but they choose to show up to serve.”

Banania says he accepts that people will be frustrated with the government and that they may take it out on him.

“I will accept that you call me idiot and coward because of your frustration with the government. Just to remind you all, we are not the ones who make the rules. We don’t have a choice, our only choice is to keep going by following the rules or totally close our doors.”

Other rude customers have told Banania that he won’t thrive because his restaurant follows the mandate. He agreed, pointing to the many newly made accounts giving his restaurant one-star reviews on Facebook, Google, and TripAdvisor.

Banania reminds the rude customers and reviewers that they have nothing to lose, while he could lose everything by not complying with a government order.

“This person you call idiot and coward is thinking of his staff, his investment, his lease. Once I defy government mandate I will lose everything. Upon shutdown, my lease is still in effect, whether I open my doors or not, I am responsible for paying my rent monthly.”