Squatters have claimed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s London pub, which is currently on the market for $16.1 million.
A group of at least six people have locked themselves inside the Grade II-listed York & Albany hotel and gastropub near Regent’s Park, BBC News reports.
In addition to boarding up the windows, the squatters have also put up a “legal notice” defending their takeover. It says they have a right to occupy the space, which is not a residential building, and is therefore not protected under 2012 legislation that outlawed squatting in a residential building.
“Take notice that we occupy this property and at all times there is at least one person in occupation,” the warning reads. “That any entry or attempt to enter into these premises without our permission is therefore a criminal offence as any one of us who is in physical possession is opposed to such entry without our permission.”
“That if you attempt to enter by violence or by threatening violence we will prosecute you,” it continues. “You may receive a sentence of up to six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000.”
The notice, signed by “The Occupiers,” also says anyone seeking to boot them from the premises will have to do so by going through the courts.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement they were alerted to the squatters’ presence earlier this week, but “did not attend the property” as the issue is a “civil matter.”
According to the BBC, the squatters hope to make the space a community art café.
Neither Gordon Ramsay nor his restaurant group have publicly commented on the issue.
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