Qld business labels Government’s planned roadmap a cop out

Making venues responsible for whether or not to serve unvaccinated patrons has sparked outrage in the industry. 

Queensland businesses have labelled the State Government’s proposed easing of restrictions a “cop out” that unfairly puts the controversial decision of whether or not to serve unvaccinated customers in the hands of already overstressed business owners.

Queensland’s new roadmap to recovery indicates businesses will be forced to choose whether they operate at full capacity, without any restrictions but only serve fully vaccinated customers; or keep their operation open to all and have to obey strict guidelines.

Top cafes and restaurants say making venues choose is a “cop out” by the government that could potentially lead businesses to face abuse, alienation by customers and even discrimination lawsuits. 

“I do think it’s a cop out,” said Amanda Scott, owner of Farm House cafe in Kedron, in Brisbane’s north. “If I have to choose, I’m making a political statement and alienating people and I’m in hospitality to be hospitable – it’s really hard for us.”

David Flynn from Brisbane’s Southside restaurant and Rick Shores at Burleigh Heads agreed and said he shouldn’t be put in a position where he had to decide what was best for society.

“That’s what the government is there for. It has to be mandated for all venues,” he said.

Daniel Quinn from Fortitude Valley Mexican restaurant Baja said the proposal was incredibly stressful and although he needed to operate at full capacity to make his venue sustainable, he worried about discrimination lawsuits from disgruntled customers.

“You’re not meant to discriminate in any other form of business and now they’re wanting us to tell people what they can and can’t do,” Mr Quinn said.

Like Mr Flynn and Mrs Scott, restaurateur Simon Gloftis, behind popular Brisbane venues SK Steak & Oyster and Hellenika, said he would rather stick to the current restrictions than potentially alienate existing customers by serving only vaccinated diners. 

“I’m not happy to be a judge and jury at the front door,” he said.

“As restaurateurs, we have had a lot of responsibilities on our shoulders the last couple of years and this is asking a lot. We’ll definitely cop abuse if we ask them (diners) for a vaccine passport – that’s a given.”

Dave Sleswick, co-owner of Brisbane live entertainment venues The Tivoli and The Princess Theatre, also insisted a unified direction from government that aligned all venues was essential.

“We believe that a unified approach will avoid division within the industry and its supporting community,” he said.

“We support whatever legislative decision that government makes but are hopeful that it is unified and in favour of mandatory vaccinations.”

QPAC and Queensland Theatre are also supportive of a consistent approach by government to the easing of restrictions at venues.

“At this time, the company does not have a policy regarding vaccines but is in consultation with industry bodies as well as undertaking stakeholder engagement to better understand expectations,” executive director of Queensland Theatre Amanda Jolly said.

General manager of the Prince Consort pub in Fortitude Valley, Jason Hirt, said they wanted to be running at full capacity but there needed to be strict guidelines around what was required so they could prepare their staff for how to deal with anti-vaxxers and any potential complaints or abuse.

“We want to make sure we know as far out to give everyone a chance to get ready for what they need to do,” he said.

The Prince Consort Hotel venue manager Jason Hirt wants to be able to prepare staff for a lifting of restrictions. Picture: Brad Fleet

However, Noah Honeywill, who runs four bars in Brisbane, including Mr Brightside, and two in Melbourne, said if the government allowed full capacity for vaccinated people then he would “take it”.

“If the government says that’s the solution to getting us out of this mess and opening back up then that is the route we will take,” he said.

Owner of Fortitude Music Hall and the Triffid, John Collins, who has had to cancel or postpone 500 shows, said he would take the advice that allowed for maximum patrons at his venues.

“I just want to get the bands on stage and get people back in the room watching artists,” he said.

Leading banks Suncorp and Bank of Queensland said they would not be implementing mandatory vaccines for their customers at this stage, but would continue to monitor the situation; as would pizza giant Dominos.

The Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and Toowoomba Councils are not mandating vaccines for their employees as of yet, rather encouraging staff with incentives.

The COO of 13cabs Stuart Overell said while passengers won’t have to show their vaccination status, there will be an option to book with vaccinated drivers.

Meanwhile, other businesses such as Village Roadshow and Racing Queensland refused to be drawn into the controversial topic, saying they would simply follow Queensland Health advice.

The Prince Consort Hotel staff member Tori Bloom is looking forward to Covid-19 bans being lifted to allow pubs and clubs to return to normal business. Picture: Brad Fleet