Restaurant owner who banned vegans clashes with protesters

Police are investigating assault allegations following a violent clash between vegan protesters and celebrity chef John Mountain, who famously banned vegans from his Perth restaurant last month.

Joined by infamous vegan activist Tash Peterson, known widely by her online alias “Vganbooty”, the protesters gathered outside the Connolly restaurant on Saturday evening for the second weekend in a row.

In footage shared by 9 News, Mr Mountain comes out of his restaurant and appears to lunge at Ms Peterson, who was playing audio of pigs squealing through a megaphone as patrons dined inside.

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Camera IconThe celebrity chef approached the protesters who were blasting audio of dying pigs outside his busy restaurant. 9 News Credit: Channel 9
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Camera IconMr Mountain pushes away signs away as he reaches for vegan activist Tash Peterson’s megaphone. 9 News Credit: Channel 9

Seemingly trying to snatch the megaphone from her, Mr Mountain grapples with the young woman as he fights for control of the device before an undercover security guard intervenes.

Ms Peterson said the chef was “throwing” her around, while 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.

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Camera IconMs Peterson said the chef threw her around during the scuffle. 9 News Credit: Channel 9
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Camera IconMr Mountain had previously vowed to ‘physically’ remove vegans from his restaurant. 9 News Credit: Channel 9

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 during which she said she “was grabbed by the neck” and left with “cuts and bruises”.

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Camera IconThe chef and activist fight for the megaphone. 9 News Credit: Channel 9
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Camera IconM Peterson has also staged a protest inside the restaurant. 9 News Credit: Channel 9

Ms Peterson told 9 News that Mr Mountain was “throwing (her) around completely”.

“Quite a chaotic experience,” 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.

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Camera IconMs Peterson talks to an attending police officer at the scene. 9 News Credit: Channel 9
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Camera IconThe chef lunges at man accompanying the protesters. 9 News Credit: Channel 9

Mr Mountain said he would welcome 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”.

MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos JUNE 14, 2023: Members of Vegan action Melbourne protest while wearing lingerie in Melbourne . Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui
Camera IconMs Peterson (right) is known for her public protests. NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui Credit: Supplied

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.

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