The decision to close MEM Café took no one by surprise. The establishment had been fined three times for a total of €15,000 following police raids. However, this is hardly a concern for Brauer who has taken in over €65,000 in online donations from people who support him
Health Board officials and police officers ordered the eatery closed on Tuesday morning just as MEM Café was preparing to open for the day. The officials were met by a defiant and furious Brauer who regards the decision to close the café and police actions as completely illegal.
While the Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Act (NETS) allows establishments to be closed or their activities limited when it is necessary for inhibiting the spread of an infectious disease, corresponding explanations by police officers meant nothing to Brauer.
Brauer, who is a member of the opposition Conservative People’s Party (EKRE) and got 436 votes in North Tallinn at the 2021 local government council elections, refused to give Postimees a comment, claiming mainstream media bias, even after the paper offered to air the video interview in unedited form.
Supporters of Elvis Brauer started showing up around noon despite freezing temperatures. The police cordoned off the building and ordered a prohibition on stay. Around ten officers kept an eye on the café and the protesting crowds. Only local residents and Brauer were allowed to enter and leave the building.