Melbourne steakhouse stormed by vegan protesters as diners eat dinner
Vegan protesters stormed a Melbourne city steak restaurant Saturday night, disrupting diners who were enjoying a quiet meal.
About 35 activists entered the Rare Steakhouse on Little Collins Street about 6.30pm, chanting on loudspeakers and yelling at customers.
Many were and holding signs about the rights of animals.
In a video posted to the Melbourne Cow Save Facebook page a crowd can be seen protesting at the restaurant while diners try to eat their meals.
“In order to create change in our society, we must challenge current belief systems and force people to take a side — oppression or justice, cruelty or compassion,” Melbourne Cow Save wrote on Facebook.
“There is no humane way to kill someone who does not want to die.”
Rare Steakhouse venue manager Arryanne McIntosh told News Corp the protesters “were repeating propaganda and stuff relating to consumption of meat”.
She described the incident as a “very upsetting situation” for customers and employees, and said the activists made it difficult for the restaurant staff to communicate with them.
“We were trying to talk to them but they were quite in-your-face with talking and speaking over the top of you — they were very loud, yelling.
“You’re coming in for dinner and spending X amount of money — you don’t want people yelling in your face,” she said.
Ms McIntosh said staff called the police, who arrived about 15 minutes later, before the protesters left the restaurant peacefully.
No one was arrested or injured.
