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Danosi Kitchen Tweed shuts after alleged abuse from anti-vaxxers

Restaurant operators say they have been forced to close one of their outlets after copping racist abuse for following health guidelines to only serve vaccinated customers.

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OPERATORS of a Tweed sushi restaurant say they have been forced to close after copping racist abuse from customers for only serving vaccinated people.

In a statement posted to its Facebook page, Danosi Kitchen Tweed said it was also running short of staff due to border closures.

The post said staff copped racial slurs, shouting and swearing from customers during several incidents last weekend.

The restaurant said this was because it was following NSW Covid-19 policy which stipulated only vaccinated customers could be served.

Danosi Kitchen's statement on Facebook.
Danosi Kitchen's statement on Facebook.

“This policy is not implemented by us, but by (the) NSW government,” the statement read.

“Our (staff) are frustrated about these incidents and find difficulties working in Tweed.

“Due to this, we have to close our store from this weekend to protect our innocent (staff) first.

“Sorry about any inconvenience and hope to see you as soon as possible.”

Danosi Kitchen also has restaurants in Southport and Arundel.

The restaurant’s plight has since sparked an outpouring of sympathy on social media.

“Oh that’s awful. I love your restaurant, this is such a shame,” Stephanie Paris wrote.

“You are amazing, don’t let a few idiots take that away from you.”

Danosi Kitchen Tweed says it has been forced to close. Picture: Facebook
Danosi Kitchen Tweed says it has been forced to close. Picture: Facebook

Tomas Portal said it was sad to hear about these incidents in the Tweed community.

“As a foreigner myself, I feel your pain and do wish this never happens to you guys ever again,” he wrote.

Earlier this month, a group of 15 Tweed businesses held crisis talks after fearing backlash for following the NSW government’s double-jabbed entry requirements.

Anti-vaxxers waged war on Twin Towns Clubs & Resorts after it told members and visitors only vaccinated people would be allowed in the premises from October 11.

New laws came into play in NSW last Monday that stated only the fully vaccinated could visit restaurants, bars and retail and patrons must be able to prove it.

The Bulletin has contacted Danosi Kitchen for comment.

Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/coronavirus/danosi-kitchen-tweed-shuts-after-alleged-abuse-from-antivaxxers/news-story/537dfd24b1219d4ff8f0f1e464d9de45