Purple Room in Palm Springs alleges employee was attacked for asking for proof of vaccination

Ani Gasparyan and Paul Albani-Burgio, Palm Springs Desert Sun
·2 min read
The Purple Room has been closed because of the pandemic but the owner has managed to stay afloat by crowdfunding the Palm Springs supper club, April 16, 2021.
The Purple Room has been closed because of the pandemic but the owner has managed to stay afloat by crowdfunding the Palm Springs supper club, April 16, 2021.

Palm Springs police responded to a report of a battery at The Purple Room Supper Club in Palm Springs on Tuesday after what the venue says was an altercation with a patron who was asked for proof of vaccination.

Venue management alleges the patron physically attacked an employee after the employee requested to see the proof of COVID-19 vaccination required to enter indoor bars and restaurant spaces in Palm Springs.

The Purple Room said the patron was forced to leave after the alleged attack and was not identified. The venue alleged the patron attempted to push their way into the club after the altercation while shouting anti-vaccination rhetoric and cursing.

Palm Springs Police Officer Mike Delaney confirmed on Friday that officers had responded to the venue at around 5:40 p.m. and took a report of a battery. Palm Springs police said on Monday that the incident was sent to the District Attorney's office to determine if they want to file charges.

The Purple Room Supper Club said it has provided police with security video of the alleged attack. Purple Room Spokesperson David Perry said the venue will pursue charges.

"We are cooperating with the police because we're concerned and want to make sure that this doesn't happen again," Perry said.

He said that this was not the first time an unvaccinated guest was verbally abusive after being asked for proof of vaccination, though it was the first physical attack.

The City of Palm Springs has required proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to dine indoors at restaurants since late August.

The Purple Room had been closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but reopened in August. It requires proof of vaccination to enter the club and does not accept negative COVID-19 test results for the safety of guests, employees and performers, Perry said.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Purple Room in Palm Springs alleges employee was attacked for asking for proof of vaccination