Edmonton business ‘review bombed’ for opposing the lifting of Alberta’s vaccine passport
Posted February 16, 2022 7:40 pm.
Last Updated March 7, 2022 11:40 am.
With weeks to go until public-health restrictions are lifted for Alberta, one Edmonton business owner says he is being harassed and receiving negative reviews online after speaking out against the lifting of some restrictions – though not all of them.
Kristoffer Harvey, the owner of Edmonton’s live music venue The Chvrch of John, says he’s been ‘review bombed’ following a CityNews interview last week in which he said the Alberta government should have kept the Restrictions Exemption Program (REP).
Harvey felt other restrictions should have been first on the chopping block before REP, such as the curfew, table limits and social distancing rules within his establishment.
“We never wanted restrictions, ever,” said Harvey. “All of us in hospitality, our businesses, we didn’t want to be closed. As of March, right now, we’ve been closed I think 20 months out of the last 24.”
WATCH: Original interview with Kristoffer Harvey (Feb. 9, 2022)
After speaking his mind, Harvey’s business became the target of negative reviews online and on social media. The owner says he’s received nearly 100 one-star reviews across multiple platforms – if not more.
“The owner supports government tyranny and segregation,” was the accusation from one reviewer.
“Never go here !!! This guy wants restrictions,” wrote another.
But Harvey says he does oppose certain restrictions that are harming the entire hospitality industry, and that it has nothing to do with the vaccine passport.
“Those restrictions are 11 p.m. curfew, 10 (per) table maxes, no mingling between tables,” he said. “So if you go to the restaurant and see somebody you know, you are not allowed to go and talk to them and speak with them.”
In less than two weeks, public-health restrictions will lift in Alberta, meaning the hospitality industry will welcome patrons back to a pre-pandemic environment regardless of vaccine status.
Harvey is asking for understanding from both sides.
“If you work in hospitality, maybe listen and find out some of the things you’re not sure of or not clear on,” he said. “If you don’t work in hospitality, maybe just listen. Maybe, actually, find out what’s going on, and just absorb it, just listen.”
