Perth chef Chase Weber ‘remorseful’ for bragging about hosing outside venues to deter homeless people

A Perth chef who bragged about “getting the hose out” to stop homeless people from sleeping in front of hospitality venues says he is “deeply remorseful” for his comments, which he says stems from ongoing impacts on operations. In a now deleted video, “No Crying In The Cool Room” podcast host Lachie Sheridan and guest chef Chase Weber discussed “tricks” to clear rough sleepers from Northbridge doorsteps. “You make everything wet outside and then they don’t sit there. A little trick you learn in Northbridge,” Mr Weber said. “The mornings are fine; you just get the hose out. All the homeless don’t come there cause it’s all wet.” He shared a story of a friend who would hose around his William Street barber shop when leaving each night to deter homeless people. “There would be this dude set up in his f.....g doorway,” Mr Weber said. Mr Sheridan commended the tactic before claiming venues in the United States hosed down areas in winter to make them icy and a less desirable sleeping spot. “Oh, s..t That is actually good. Make your bench, not the bench to sit on.” he said. Mr Weber is well-known in Perth’s hospitality scene and has been involved in creating menus across various Perth restaurants after coming to prominence as an acclaimed chef at The Standard in Northbridge and the Royal Hotel in the city. Mr Weber has since apologised for his remarks and told The West Australian it stemmed from a continued impact on operations. “I feel deeply remorseful in my comments on the ‘No Crying In The Cool Room’ podcast regarding the homelessness issue,” he said. “As a chef with over 20 years’ experience, I have witnessed the problem progress to a point where it’s part of the everyday conversation, and is affecting livelihoods, but there’s no clear resolve. “Venues and businesses with street frontage are affected, forcing owners and staff to find temporary solutions in order to open their doors, welcome patrons and keep livelihoods afloat.” Mr Weber said he acknowledged the severity of the issue and has actively tried to assist in the past through donations to charities such as 5000 Meals, Project WOMN and Oz Harvest. Australian Hotels Association WA chief executive Bradley Woods said a homelessness presence in front of venues was an ongoing and complicated issue but sensitivity was needed. “Homelessness is a complex issue that requires coordinated solutions from all levels of government and the community, balancing compassionate responses with the operational needs of private buildings and venues,” Mr Woods said. “We understand the frustration hospitality and retail operators feel when venue entrances are impacted, but it’s important to recognise that people experiencing homelessness often face significant challenges and need support. “Businesses affected by pavement sleepers need police, local, state and federal government agencies, working alongside homelessness services to provide meaningful assistance.” The video prompted criticism online, with one user describing them as “meatheads laughing at homeless people”. A snippet of the podcast video had been shared on Mr Sheridan’s Instagram account “Perth Dude Food” which boasts a following of 245,000, and YouTube channel “Dude Food”, which has 10,600 subscribers. Both were deleted on Wednesday. In 2021, controversial Rapture nightclub manager Neil Scott was videoed in a fight with homeless people camped near the entry of his Northbridge venue. Video captured the moment he kicked their belongings down the street which he defended, adding his business was the victim. It comes after the City of Bunbury was criticised late last year for playing Wiggles songs on loop to deter homeless people from congregating at the Graham Bricknell Music Shell area. Mr Sheridan has been contacted for comment.