A notice of criminal conduct will be handed out to a small number of protesters who have been picketing around Pidgin restaurant since it opened its doors in February.
The protesters are accusing the owners of the restaurant of propagating gentrification of the neighbourhood and want the eatery to shut down or move out.
VPD Constable Brian Montague says the letter is another tool they are using to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and is meant to notify protesters that their actions could lead to criminal charges.
The letter will be given to protesters starting today and explains the legal definition of criminal mischief. It also says police will take appropriate actions in relation to anyone participating in an activity that is alleged to go beyond peaceful and legal protest.
Montague says handing out the written notice is an unusual step for the department.
“We are viewing this as a tool to inform them that while we support peaceful and lawful protest, we will act if civil disobedience turns unlawful,” said Montague. “We want to explain to them and make sure they understand what that disobedience is.”
Montague also hinted an arrest was coming for one of the unidentified protesters that officers are actively looking for. Police would not specify the nature of the offence involved.
Pidgin has been the target of community activists since opening its doors on February 1.
Demonstrators have been protesting outside the restaurant to draw attention to what they say is gentrification and encroachment on the only remaining Vancouver community where low-income people feel accepted.
The owners of the restaurant were forced to frost their windows after some protesters shone flashlights through the glass. There were reports of protesters taking pictures of and shouting at restaurant patrons as well.
~With files from the Vancouver Sun and the Province
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