La Maison Cafe, on the Lincoln Causeway, was inundated with online criticism as Facebook users flooded the restaurant’s page threatening to boycott the venue.

Dozens of people posted one-star reviews.

La Maison owner Wassim Saliba did not respond to a Border Mail request for comment but took to social media, saying the venue hosts a range of private functions.

“That event was a privately organised event by the customer, not by us,” he said.

“There are two sides to the debate and both sides entitled to fair treatment.

“There has been events held here organised privately with LGBTIQ guests as well.

“Our views and beliefs are private to us and should be respected as we respect everyone else’s. We have always treated everyone fairly and respectfully, no matter their orientation, whether or not we agree with them, as it should be.”

Event speaker and Coalition for Marriage spokesman Lyle Shelton said it was symptomatic of a campaign of vitriol run by yes voters.

Mr Shelton said the event was organised by local no campaigners and held in a hired function room, not in the presence of other diners.

About 60 guests paid to attend.

“To me that’s really sad,” Mr Shelton said of the backlash.

“We’ve seen this on our side of the bank for years, if you don’t hold to the politically correct view of marriage then somehow you’re a second-class citizen and don’t deserve a view.

“There’s a real intolerant streak in some on the yes side.”

Mr Shelton said the yes campaign had run on fear and intimidation which silenced no voters, but wouldn’t silence them at the post box. 

“It’s easy to be intimidated into silence and there’s a lot of that on our side,” he said.

“It shows the yes side don’t have many strong arguments, if they have to resort to demonising people.

“We’ll know on the 15th of November, but I think the vote for the noes will be a lot higher than anyone anticipated.”

Mr Shelton fears if same-sex marriage becomes legal businesses who express “traditional” views would be demonised, especially those in the wedding industry.

“For those on yes who think they are morally superior, who think they have a right to call us bigots and haters and attack a restaurant that simply holds a meeting – I would say to them they should consider whether they are being tolerant and whether they value Australia being a pluralist society with different views.”

Hume Phoneix have condemned the boycott, saying they have hosted many events at La Maison in the past and will be keeping future bookings.