‘PLEASANTLY’ ABIDING BY NEW RULES
GOLD Coast operators fearing their businesses would be left bare as vaccine mandates came into effect across the state on Friday were pleasantly surprised.
Despite customers now requiring proof of their full vaccination status, foot traffic throughout Surfers Paradise eateries remained steady and encounters pleasant.
However, Greek on Soul owner Nicholas Ioannou said the true test would come during the oceanfront venue’s most prominent trading hours at the weekend.
“There’s been no reaction from customers to mandates yet,” he said.
“Our night trade will show whether people are going to head out regardless or the fact the mandates have come in and they choose to stay in.”
Mr Ioannou said customers had been pleasant and complied with check-ins, but he admitted to being “a bit nervous”.
It was a similar story for Glen Day at Pancakes in Paradise, who made headlines this week by declaring he would flout the new mandate.
Mr Day has been widely applauded for his stance, with one customer who identified himself as anti-mandate interrupting his discussion with the Bulletin to shake hands.
Staff at the Surfers Paradise eatery were approached by regulators on Thursday – 24 hours before mandates took hold.
“I think they visited quite a few restaurants yesterday to make sure they understand the
situation,” Mr Day explained.
“They do say we have to make a good attempt to follow the mandate, which I have been doing by asking people to check in.”
He believes staff are complying by asking visitors to check in through the state government app, though would stop short of asking to view a customer’s vaccination status.
“I will not put my staff in that position (of policing vaccination checks), because there’s a lot of people who are doubled vaxxed who still don’t want to show us their medical information,” Mr Day said.
Business owners who openly said
they were going to flout the new vaccination mandate could expect a visit from police, Commissioner Katarina Carroll said.
Speaking at a press conference after the mandate took effect, Ms Carroll said officers had already had eight calls for service, as police ramped up “activity in this space”.
Patrons are required to show proof of full Covid vaccination to “non-essential” businesses. Those individuals who don’t comply could be fined $1378.50.
Asked whether defiant operators would be targeted, Ms Carroll said: “It’s disappointing that people have
done that, but they have given police very good intelligence, so they will definitely be getting a visit from police.”
A police spokesman confirmed there had been one call for service in relation to assisting a business with a difficult male, which was resolved with no action taken.
“Gold Coast police have conducted dozens of compliance checks at businesses, recording a high level of compliance,” the spokesman said.
Police anticipate early challenges and will take an educational, compassionate approach, but won’t
hesitate to fine those who blatantly break the law.
“… everyone entering pubs, clubs, restaurants and cinemas will need to be fully vaccinated,” Ms Carroll said.
“Businesses … must display the new rules and this will really help inform customers. It is actually up to the operators to make sure the patrons meet those requirements.
“We urge Queenslanders to be extraordinarily respectful and be kind to each other.
“This is the law.
“There are fines … for businesses from $6892.”