Crepe cafe that called mandatory masks a 'crime against humanity' and refused to make its staff wear them is raided by police - but owner won't back down

A crepe shop owner who declared mandatory face masks a 'crime against humanity' has been forced to apologise after the cafe was raided by cops.

Love Crepe, in Drummoyne, Sydney's inner west, vowed staff would not be expected to follow the face mask mandate, in a post to its Instagram account.

Masks were made mandatory in certain situations across Sydney to combat the coronavirus outbreak on the Northern Beaches.

They must be worn while shopping and on public transport - among other inside settings - or Sydneysiders risk a $200 fine.

Hospitality workers at venues like Love Crepe are also expected to cover their faces, though customers are not.

Love Crepe, in Drummoyne in Sydney's inner west, indicated their staff would not be expected to follow the face mask mandate in a post to the business's Instagram account

Six police officers arrived at the Lyons Road business on Wednesday but it appeared no one was there

'Love Crepe believes that being forced to wear a mask is a crime against humanity,' the cafe posted to Instagram on Tuesday. 

'Our staff is not forced to wear a mask.' 

Love Crepe has since deleted the Instagram post - which included a picture of its staff - but shared a follow-up thanking the community and customers for support.

'We live in a difficult world full of evil and hate, divided by anger,' the additional post read.⠀

'Let's all come together and make this world a better place by focusing on what's really important.

'We appreciate your support and the love you've shown us. We will continue to put your and our staff's health first always, including mental wellbeing.' 

Six police officers arrived at the Lyons Road venue on Wednesday but it appeared no one was there, Nine News reported.

The dessert cafe opens at 3pm.  

Love Crepe shared a follow-up Instagram post thanking the community and its customers for their support

A police officer in a face mask knocks on the door of Love Crepe in Sydney's inner west

Owner Nick Kondilis, who is reportedly in hiding, shared a 10-minute video on Wednesday night in which he apologised 'to anyone who was offended'.

He took responsibility for the initial anti-mask declaration and admitted he shouldn't have dragged his staff into a national debacle.

'Firstly, I want to apologise to my staff. They've got nothing to do with this at all,' he said.

'I shouldn't used that photo. I take responsibility for that. I apologise to my staff for putting them in that position.'

Mr Kondilis said he has a medical exemption which allows him to avoid wearing masks - and he doesn't support face coverings in general.

'My personal opinion on masks, I don't believe they work. That's my personal opinion and I'm entitled to my opinion,' he said.

The cafe operator said he decided to share the initial Instagram post for other businesses that have struggled through the coronavirus pandemic. 

'It comes down to mental state, mental health,' he said.

Love Crepe is an outdoor venue on Lyons Road in Drummoyne, in Sydney's inner west

'I have a lot of friends in the industry who had a very tough year last year during Covid and things haven't started better this year.

'Now they're forced to wear a mask. They are struggling, really struggling. I can see it in their eyes.'

He also said the Instagram post was for his staff.

Mr Kondilis said two staff members indicated they wished to wear them, while another worker said they got 'hot' when covering their face.

He also claimed he spoke to Service NSW about the mask mandate.

Owner Nick Kondilis shared a 10-minute video on Wednesday night where he apologised 'to anyone who was offended'

Love Crepe is a mostly outdoor venue and he claimed he was advised the rules did not apply to his premises.

However, though the counter faces an outdoor area, staff still prepare food and serve customers indoors in a small space where they need masks.

There was a mixed response to his lengthy 'apology' video, with many arguing Love Crepe failed to handle the situation appropriately.

'The way you do the complete wrong things then invoke the 'mental health' defence as a distraction is appalling and an affront to everyone who has suffered through a) actual crimes against humanity; and b) 2020,' one wrote.

'I feel sorry for your staff, who you've thrown right into the firing line with your ridiculous publicity stunt - if your business goes down they lose their jobs,' another said.

A third wrote: 'Dude, can your business survive a $5,000 fine after a year of slow business, would you prefer the government to go into lockdown and lose more business!?

'Seriously, it's a mask, not slavery. Pulling 'a crime against humanity' for wearing a mask is insulting to those who truly suffer here in Australia and in the world.'

But other social media users said they would continue to support Mr Kondilis and Love Crepe. 

'Good man and great job. Sending you and your staff much love,' one person wrote.

'You have my support,' another said. 

When to wear a face mask in Sydney:

New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian announced face masks would be mandatory for all Greater Sydney residents from 11.59pm on Saturday.

The rule also applies to residents living Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains.

Whenever a resident leaves their home, they will need to wear a mask when visiting these indoor settings:

1) Entertainment venues, such as a cinema

2) Places of worship, such as a church or mosque

3) Public transport, such as buses and trains

4) Shopping centres

5)  Established gaming areas

6) Hair and beauty salons

Anyone who is caught not wearing a face mask risks copping a $200 fine.