Halifax Business Hosting A Tea Party In Response To Anti-Vax Protestors

HALIFAX–For weeks, a small group of protesters have been gathering on Argyle Street in Halifax to show their disapproval of Nova Scotia’s vaccine and public health protocols. November 5, on the fifth straight Friday of protests, the protestors plan to target one specific business on that street.

Argyle Street is a busy consumer area in Downtown Halifax, filled with bars, restaurants, and other businesses. During the warmer months, it’s closed to vehicle and open just to pedestrians.

Every Friday evening, for the past month, the protestors’ presence on Argyle has caused some businesses on the street to see their revenue drop during what is normally a busy time.

“People simply don’t want to be down our street when they’re here,” says Phil Holmans, owner of World Tea House, on Argyle Street.

“I completely support people protesting and their right to…they’re just not doing it in the right spot. They should be doing it by a government house or [towards] someone who makes the rules, not businesses who are just trying to be compliant,” Holmans says.

World Tea House is the business that is being targeted tonight. On twitter, Holmans posted a screenshot showing a protestor encouraging people to gather and set up a “tea party” outside World Tea House in retaliation for Holmans criticism of the protestors. The organizer of the tea party protest accused Holmans of telling “big fat lies.”

Rather than panicking, Holmans has decided to create a tea party of his own between 6-8 p.m. tonight outside his shop. He is setting up picnic tables outside and anyone wearing a mask gets free tea.

“No one throws a tea party like me. I’m a teahouse so I know tea!” Exclaims Holman “We want to show people what kindness can do.”

Holmans says he will even give free tea to the protestors if they are willing to wear a mask.

“That would be fantastic. I would love, love, that,” he said. “If they want to, they’re more than welcome to come and enjoy the freedoms that we have.”

The World Tea House owner says some of the protestors have been disrupting his business the past four Fridays. Some will try to enter his store without a mask on, demanding service. Holmans also claims some will stand outside his threshold, preventing other customers from entering.

“They’ll sit right outside my one entry door…blocking the entrance to my business, and basically stay there until we serve them,” he says.

For the first two Fridays, Holmans was willing to serve the protestors by bringing debit machines outside. But one Friday when Holmans was away his staff felt intimidated. After looking at the security footage, Holmans was displeased with what he saw.

“On the video it appears that they’re blockading the premises for a period of time until they get their drinks,” he said. “It was a little tense, so I don’t blame my staff at all for not wanting to be in that situation.”

After that incident, Holmans stopped serving the protestors, inside or outside his shop.

“The week after that, I put myself outside before they could come in, and deny them all service right on the sidewalk. Don’t even come in my threshold, don’t even touch my door,” Holmans says.

The Halifax Regional Police have been keeping an eye on the ongoing protests and have talked to businesses in the area. Constable John MacLeod encourages business owners to reach out to police if they have any issues with people regarding Covid-19 regulations.

“Each incident needs to be looked at on its specifics to determine what the appropriate actions are,” said MacLeod.

The police are also aware that World Tea House has been singled out online.

“We are aware of that particular situation and there is information out on social media,” said McLeod. We have reached out to that business owner…and let him know what we suggest he do.”

Patrick Sullivan, the CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, has harsh words for the protestors, who he called a small group of bullies.

“I’m very disappointed that this kind of bullying behaviour is taking place against small businesses that don’t make the rules,” he said. “It seems to me they don’t understand how laws and legislation work.”

Even though tonight is the fifth Friday of planned demonstrations on Argyle Street, Sullivan notes it may be harder tonight than before. That’s because Argyle Street is now reopened to vehicle traffic.

“Argyle Street is open to vehicle traffic tonight…so I very much hope they don’t impede traffic and that the police don’t have to intervene,” said Sullivan.

Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].