Image Credit: Facebook / 52 Ridge Restaurant
52 Ridge Restaurant

Clearwater council to meet Friday on local restaurant defying regulatory orders

Jan 30, 2025 | 4:19 PM

CLEARWATER B.C. — The District of Clearwater will hold a Special Meeting Friday (Jan. 31) afternoon as it grapples with the owner of a local restaurant who refuses to comply with municipal and provincial regulations.

It is calling on the provincial government to step in and uphold the rule of law against the operators of the 52 Ridge Restaurant.

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) has confirmed 52 Ridge does not hold a valid liquor license. However, the LCRB says it “has no legal authority or jurisdiction” when it comes to unlicensed establishments.

Last year, Interior Health (IH) ordered the owners to close the restaurant as well as a swimming pool at their Clearwater Valley Resort campground on the same property. Recent social media posts however, confirm that the restaurant is still open and is even advertising a Valentine’s Day special, among other things.

The operators of 52 Ridge include Dean Clifford, a self-described ‘freeman on the land,’ who has a long history of ignoring legal orders.

In August, IH petitioned the B.C. Supreme Court to issue an injunction against Dean and Hannah Clifford, ordering them to keep the restaurant and pool closed . It also called on the RCMP to enforce the injunction.

Friday’s meeting will see council debate a staff recommendation to call on the province to “uphold the rule of law” with respect to the restaurant’s continued liquor sales and health regulations.