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Notorious vegan activist in fiery clash with restaurant

A notorious animal rights activist claims she was injured during a “chaotic” dinnertime protest at a restaurant that banned vegans “for mental health reasons”.

Perth restaurant bans vegan customers

A notorious animal rights activist claims she’s been left bruised after she “disrupted” a restaurant after its owner “banned” vegans.

Head chef of Perth’s Fyre restaurant, John Mountain, in June announced that “all vegans are now banned”.

“Sadly all vegans are now banned from Fyre (for mental health reasons),” he shared on social media.

“We thank you for your understanding. Xx.”

Vegan activist Tash Peterson staged a “disruption” style protest at the restaurant during its Friday dinner sitting.

Vegan activist Tash Peterson protests at Fyre restaurant, where chef John Mountain has banned vegans. Picture: Instagram @Vganbooty @worlddomion.org
Vegan activist Tash Peterson protests at Fyre restaurant, where chef John Mountain has banned vegans. Picture: Instagram @Vganbooty @worlddomion.org
Tash Peterson demonstrated at Fyre restaurant after if famously banned vegans. Picture: Instagram @Vganbooty @worlddomion.org
Tash Peterson demonstrated at Fyre restaurant after if famously banned vegans. Picture: Instagram @Vganbooty @worlddomion.org

Posting on social media, Ms Peterson shared that the protest was “absolutely f**king chaotic”, claiming some of the protesters were allegedly assaulted.

“So we’ve just done a disruption in the restaurant Fyre,” Ms Peterson said in the video, posted to Instagram and Facebook on Friday.

“I was grabbed by the neck and that’s kind of bruised at the moment, I’ve got cuts and bruises.

“Because there were 12 activists, there were probably at least several of us who were also physically assaulted but this is just the resistance we face as animal rights activists.”

Fyre Restaurant has been contacted for comment.

Tash Peterson (middle) was part of the chaotic protest at Fyre restaurant on Friday. Picture: Instagram @Vganbooty @worlddomion.org
Tash Peterson (middle) was part of the chaotic protest at Fyre restaurant on Friday. Picture: Instagram @Vganbooty @worlddomion.org
Tash Peterson (right) regularly protests against meat consumption. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui
Tash Peterson (right) regularly protests against meat consumption. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

The protest came days after Mr Mountain announced his ban on vegans after he had a disagreement with a customer who had called ahead requesting a meal that suited her dietary requirements.

Mr Mountain had agreed to accommodate her request but had forgotten to tell his sous-chef about the special order ahead of the woman arriving.

The customer was plated up a “$32 bowl of vegetables”, later taking to private messages to air her grievances with the restaurant owner.

“My only option was the vegetable dish … it was okay but not that filling … and I was shocked to see it was $32,” the complainant told the restaurant in her direct message.

Chef John Mountain has banned vegans from his Perth restaurant. Picture: Instagram.
Chef John Mountain has banned vegans from his Perth restaurant. Picture: Instagram.

“I think it’s incredibly important nowadays that restaurants can accommodate everyone and to not be able to have actual plant-based meals shows your shortcomings as a chef.

“I hope to see some improvements in your menu as I have lived in Connolly for quite some time and have seen many restaurants come and go from that building and none of them last.

“If you don’t get with the times, I don’t hold out faith that your restaurant will be the one that does.”

Mr Mountain said he knows part of her complaint was justified, but the woman took it too far.

“Look, I said I would accommodate her, and I didn’t … but she made the complaint personal,” he said.

Originally published as Notorious vegan activist in fiery clash with restaurant

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/food/notorious-vegan-activist-in-fiery-clash-with-restaurant/news-story/b0cf9997ceb89f89ac9ebf121a893f56