Police called after Souvlaki Grill and Chill owners get angry for being refused entry at restaurant

Police were called to a restaurant this week after two prominent anti-vax campaigners caused a ruckus for being refused entry for not wearing masks.

POLICE had to be called to a Waterfront restaurant after a fracas involving prominent anti-vaccination mandate campaigners, just hours before she posted an emotional social media video announcing the closure of her restaurant.

Violet Krishna and Michael Tolios were refused entry on Wednesday to Chow restaurant for not wearing a mask.

Police were called after the conversation became heated, with witnesses saying the couple were angry and abusive.

Mr Tolios on Thursday confirmed the incident saying after entry was refused, he and his wife had gone to a neighbouring restaurant and were not aware police were called.

A staff-member at Chow also confirmed the altercation. They said the eatery had encountered tough experiences in the past few days, including a separate incident on Wednesday where a manager was called a Nazi.

“It’s been a few great days,” she noted ironically.

Police say they will investigate.

“Northern Territory Police are investigating after an incident was reported yesterday at a commercial business at the Waterfront,” they said in a statement.

“Two people were allegedly refusing to wear masks. Inquiries are continuing.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce condemned abusive behaviour towards hospitality staff.

“The frontline, be they hospitality, police or health are just trying to work with rules that have been set and we hope the customers and public understand that and don’t take their frustrations out on staff,” he said.

“We have always and will continue to acknowledge the work police and health frontline have done during this pandemic.”

On Thursday, Violet Tolios announced in a tearful social media post that the takeaway she runs with her husband, Souvlaki Grill and Chill, would close Friday because they refused chief health officer directives to vaccinate against Covid.

“Just wanted to say thankyou for all the support we got to fight this battle and this opportunity to say thankyou to all our staff and we’re sorry we let you down.”

Originally published as Police called after Souvlaki Grill and Chill owners get angry for being refused entry at restaurant