Restaurant owner who banned vegans clashes with protesters
A chef who has been in an ongoing battle with a notorious vegan activist has revealed the impact the fight has had on his personal life.
Chef John Mountain has broken down over a weeks-long clash with vegan activists that has leached into his personal life.
A group of vegan protesters, including notorious activist Tash Peterson, have been targeting Mr Mountain’s Fyre restaurant in the Perth suburb of Connolly after an online stoush over the lack of plant-based options on his menu.
The issue, whic began with one customer, turned to a ban on all vegans and eventually led to a violent clash between the protesters and Mr Mountain.
In a live TV interview following the incident, the chef broke down in tears while explaining how the campaign against his restaurant has impacted more than just his business.
“I lost my partner because of this; I lost a relationship,” he told A Current Affair on Monday.
“I thought I was going to marry this woman and she just couldn’t handle the amount of attention.
“Thanks, vegans.”
In footage shared by 9News, Ms Peterson can be seen leading a group outside the busy restaurant for the second weekend in a row.
Mr Mountain comes out of his restaurant and confronts Ms Peterson, who was playing audio of pigs squealing through a megaphone as patrons dined inside.
Police are now investigating assault allegations.
Seemingly trying to snatch the megaphone from her, Mr Mountain grappled with the young woman as he fights for control of the device before an security guard intervenes.
Joondalup police confirmed inquiries into the incident were “ongoing”.
The chef last month vowed to “physically” remove any prospective plant-based patrons or protesters from his premises.
Speaking to Triple M hosts Xav and Michelle on June 21, Mr Mountain promised to “physically pick them up and throw them out” should they try to attend his venue.
In regards to Saturday’s incident, Mr Mountain told 9 News he thought it was “good” that Ms Peterson was fighting for a cause.
“But, to be honest, I’m the wrong person to fight with, it’s not working,” he said.
“Do I think I crossed a line? Absolutely, probably, yes.
“But again, I will stand by my convictions – I’m protecting my premises, I’m protecting my business, and I’m protecting my staff and customers.”
Ms Peterson also staged a “disruption” protest inside the same restaurant on June 30.
Speaking with 9News, she said: “We’re not going after this restaurant because they announced they’re banning vegans, yes that was maybe (what) instigated it, but at the end of the day it’s because this man is profiting (off) animal abuse and murder and also glamorising it,” she said.
Mr Mountain said he would defend any assault charges brought after the altercation.
“I don’t care if they want to try and charge me with assault, with pleasure, I’ll stand up in court seven days a week,” he said.
Ms Peterson, however, said she would not be returning to the restaurant and would continue her mission “in other ways”.
Mr Mountain posted to Instagram last month that “all vegans are now banned” from his restaurant following a dispute with a plant-based customer.
“Sadly all vegans are now banned from Fyre (for mental health reasons),” he shared on social media.
“We thank you for your understanding. Xx.”
At the time Ms Peterson said the ban was a form of “discrimination”.
“This chef is clearly upset by a valid complaint and then to discriminate an entire group of people, I don’t see it any different to banning Muslims or women from a restaurant,” she said.