Save Larson Station Restaurant, West Vancouver BC

Dear Valued Clients and Friends,

It is with great sadness that Alice & I write this letter to you.

On Monday November 24th, 2014, just after 7am we were alerted by our alarm company to an intrusion at Larson Station. As it was early morning, we did not suspect an actual intrusion and assumed it to be a false alarm.

Upon investigation, we were shocked to discover that the District of West Vancouver forcibly occupied our business premises and proceeded to change the locks. Our privacy was invaded, our private office opened and our personal belongings were exposed and office cabinets and documentation rummaged through. We were denied access and made to leave the premises.

We were dismayed to discover that the only reason for our pre-planned forcible eviction was failure to meet the operating hours required by the District. Over the years, we have written to the District to express that although the venue needs to remain open year round, we could not afford to do so without financial assistance. Despite promises to the contrary our negotiations were suspended by the District in January 2014, and replaced by a barrage of threatening letters and notices. Our repeated requests for a meeting to re-negotiate our entire contract were ignored.

If the District did not want us there surely a settlement could have been reached. There was a buy-out clause in the agreement, why oust us on a clause the District knew full well we could not meet?

Today, 9 days after the annexation of our business, our business assets as well as some personal assets remain sequestered for no justifiable reason. The District took control of our assets, telephone line, alarm system, credit card machines and documentation. Effectively taking control of our business and Clients.

We worked hard to build this business and our reputation and we do not accept that another operator comes in on our backs and picks up all our future bookings without fair compensation. This action has placed our Clients in a difficult situation as most have made plans for events long in advance and booked expecting us to cater and manage their event. They are now at the mercy of others. This month alone we lost four large events, which someone else may now be unfairly paid for.

If we had operated the hours the District required we would have been bankrupt long ago, last week we were ruthlessly forced out of business. To us the end result is the same. The District must surely have been aware of the consequences of their actions to our Staff, Clients and to our family.

This enforced action has caused irreparable harm and also resulting in our staff to be unemployed a few weeks before Christmas. Any assistance to raise funds for the benefit of our staff would be greatly appreciated.

In addition, we desperately need all the help we can get and appeal to our valued clients and friends to assist in requesting a meeting with Council, so that our side can be fairly represented. We were never once given the opportunity to present our side to Council. If you are in agreement with the attached petition letter, please forward it to Mayor and all Council members and if possible please copy us.

Please forward this email along as required. We are available to meet with anyone who would like further information and details.

The past week has been a very dark week. Last Monday was our “Pearl Harbour”…shame on you District of West Vancouver…shame on you!

Kind Regards,

Enzo & Alice Taffara
604 834 7765