Cairns businesses react to mask mandate being scrapped

Businesses across Cairns have expressed their opinion on the mask mandate being scrapped around Queensland venues.

BUSINESSES across the Far North are excited to see the mask mandate go in most Queensland venues from next month.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on Tuesday that masks would no longer be needed in shops, workplaces, schools and hospital venues from 6pm on March 4.

The Courtyard Cairns general manager Ben Power said it was a step in the right direction.

“Staff excitement levels are through the roof,” he said.

Julie Brioude and Ben Power from The Courtyard on the Esplanade are all smiles following announcement that masks will no longer be required from the March 4. Picture: Emily Barker

“People don’t like being the fun police. In hospitality it is meant to be a fun interactive environment but for the last two years we have had to enforce a whole set of rules that only apply to us.”

The Dairy owner Beth Watson said she was also excited to see masks go and it would provide better service across hospitality venues.

Beth Watson from the Mungali Biodynamic 'The Dairy' expressing her joy following announcement that masks will no longer be required from March 4. Picture: Emily Barker

“We were pretty excited. It’s pretty hot and sweaty wearing those things especially in Cairns when you have an 8 or 9 hour shift,” she said.

“It’s hard to hear people through the mask.

“It’s hard to have a conversation and sometimes you have to ask them to repeat themselves three or four times.”

Originally published as Cairns businesses react to mask mandate being scrapped