The owner of a Big White restaurant that’s under scrutiny for hosting a rowdy and chaotic party on Monday night has broken his silence.
Justin Reid, who owns Charley Victoria’s All Day Après at Big White, has issued an apology for what happened.
AN APOLOGY FROM CHARLEY VICTORIA'S OWNER: I take full ownership for this ignorant decision that I made out of pure...
Posted by Charley Victoria's All Day Après on Wednesday, March 31, 2021
“I take full ownership for this ignorant decision that I made out of pure selfish frustration over the recent announcement regarding COVID-19 restrictions in our community,” he wrote in a letter.
“As a community, we have all been working so hard and making sacrifices to curb COVID-19 and keep eachother safe, and what happened at Charleys on Monday night was unacceptable.”
Reid added that allowing this to happen does not demonstrate leadership or show the compassion he has for the community, which he cares deeply about.
“Charleys was created to be a safe space for all mountain goers and I let you all down,” explained Reid. “For that, I’m deeply sorry.”
Reid apologized directly to Big White Ski Resort in his letter, saying the resort has shown him nothing but respect, welcoming Charleys into their business community during the restaurant’s first year in operation.
He also directed an apology at his staff, saying he will work to earn their trust back as a leader.
“The frontline and essential workers in the Okanagan are the true heroes and have put our health and safety first as we have navigated the pandemic,” Reid said to finish his letter.
“I’m so very sorry for the disrespect I’ve displayed.”
Footage of Monday night’s party at Charleys, which was published by a local news outlet, show the establishment packed with screaming, maskless patrons who were dancing on tables in the crowded restaurant.
It’s since received criticism from people around BC and triggered an angry response from the resort’s vice president Michael J Ballingall.
Although the restaurant is privately owned and staffed, Ballingall said that any Big White employees who were identified in the crowd would be instantly terminated.
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