Covid Qld: Restrictions lift for vaccinated but police to assist in keeping unvaxxed out

Unvaccinated Queenslanders attempting to get into venues once restrictions lift will not be tolerated and face large fines, the state’s top cop says, as she confirms businesses trying to do the right thing will have the full support of police.

Businesses have been told to call the police on people who try to enter their establishments without proving they’re vaccinated once restrictions are lifted under plans unveiled by the Annastacia Palaszczuk on Tuesday.

It comes as the business community welcomed the announcement, saying it provided much-needed clarity and certainty.

From December 17, or when the state hits the 80 per cent double-dosed target, only the fully vaccinated can visit a range of venues including pubs, clubs and stadiums.

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said ignoring the tough new rules would not be tolerated.

IN DETAIL: ALL THE RESTRICTIONS BEING LIFTED FOR FULLY VACCINATED QUEENSLANDERS

Ms Carroll said $1378 fines would be handed out if people didn’t follow the rules, which come into play when the state hits the 80 per cent double-dose rate.

“We don’t expect venues to act as the police, that is actually our role,” Ms Carroll said.

“We do expect venues to please, when these changes come in, to display the vaccination rules, ask for the evidence of vaccination.

“And if there is no evidence, they can obviously ask that person to leave and if they refuse to leave, to call the police.

“As I said, it is not the venue’s role to be the police, we will do that for you.”

People will be able to show their vaccination status on Queensland’s check-in app, which is being updated to display that information, the Premier said.

Queensland is lifting restrictions for the fully-vaccinated. Photo: Annastacia Palaszczuk/Twitter

The Commissioner said Australia had seen “bad behaviour” in other states “and I just reiterate the message that that will not be tolerated here” and $1378 fines will be issued.

“So I ask that we please respect the staff at venues and businesses and, as I said, if there’s noncompliance, police will be called in and enforcement action will be taken,” she said.

CCIQ policy and advocacy general manager Amanda Rohan said Tuesday’s announcement provided the certainty and clarity the business community had been seeking.

“It’s a good start,” she said.

“We now have four weeks to get into, what does this mean for business.

CCIQ's Amanda Rohan. Picture: Annette Dew

“This is an early runway for business to be able to be prepared.”

She said businesses had sought more clarity on mandating vaccinations for staff, and was hopeful of that being provided by the government soon.

She said business owners had been reassured by messaging from police that it would not be up to staff to police vaccination checks and that the police would come to deal with any unruly patrons.

“That’s a nice reprieve for business (although it) doesn’t mean they’re not going to be put in a precarious situation,” Ms Rohan said.

There would likely be more questions in coming days but the government was working well to provide clarity when issues arose, she said.