Wellington CBD businesses have had to shut their doors – because of an anti-vaccine-mandate rally at the Beehive. 

Backbenchers Bar across the road from Parliament had to shut because of the deluge of protesters. 

Owner Alistair Boyce told Heather du Plessis-Allan they opened at noon yesterday and shut 15 minutes later. 

Boyce says they were advised of a violent turn in the protest today, and decided to shut about 3.30. 

“The level of intimidation and abuse just reached, was reaching a crescendo, it was pointless staying open, there was no hint of peaceful trading.” 

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