Casa Mia Ipswich rallies against looming Covid-19 restrictions for unvaccinated

An Ipswich restaurant owner says he will not turn unvaccinated customers away and plans to host a public business meeting ahead of the new rules coming into effect later this month.

The owner of a popular Ipswich restaurant has explained why he will not be enforcing the Queensland government’s Covid-19 restrictions come December 17, saying he is not ‘anti-vaccination’ but ‘anti-discrimination’.

Mario Grimaldi owns and operates Casa Mia, an Italian Mediterranean restaurant at Raceview, and said he has built his business around ensuring everyone who enters feel at home.

From mid-December, unvaccinated people will be unable to attend hospitality venues such as hotels, pubs, clubs, taverns, bars, restaurants, and cafes, as well as other settings and events.

Mr Grimaldi said he felt Queensland’s imminent restrictions would make it impossible for him not to “discriminate” against his customers and would surely hurt his business.

“I believe in pro-choice,” he said.

“It’s nothing to do with the vaccination at all. It’s about not discriminating against someone based on something to do with their health.”

Italian restaurant Casa Mia owner Mario Grimaldi said he refuses to turn customers away because they are unvaccinated. Picture: David Nielsen

Mr Grimaldi has been vocal in his criticism of the state mandate, sharing to his Casa Mia Ipswich Facebook page that he was uncomfortable with having his 20 staff – the youngest of whom is 15 – asking people for proof of vaccination and turning away customers.

“We are now confronted with losing customers any which way we go,” he wrote.

“I’m not in business to exclude people,” he said.

“I’m in business to include everyone.”

The Bundamba restaurant owner has organised an event – ‘Ipswich businesses for pro-choice’ – for December 9.

Just days after it was first advertised online, Mr Grimaldi said more than 100 local businesses had registered their attendance.

Ipswich Region Chamber of Commerce executive manager Jodee Hutt said that while the association was apolitical, it acknowledged the difficult position the new restrictions would put the businesses in.

“We acknowledge that it puts a lot of additional strain on businesses that have to be on the front line,” she said.

Small Business Minister Di Farmer has announced a range of support measures to help business owners manage entry of patrons after new restrictions come into effect this month. Picture: Tara Croser

Employment and Small Business Minister Di Farmer announced a range of resources on Wednesday, including a free training course and signage, to help small businesses manage operations from December 17.

“The majority of businesses are extremely happy to see this new way forward and to be able to operate at full capacity over the holiday period,” Minister Farmer said.

“But this is a new normal for all of us, and we acknowledge that businesses will need support with the new requirements.”

Queensland business owners can now access signage that sets out the state’s vaccination requirements, which Minister Farmer said should take some pressure off them.

A free online training course also went live on Wednesday to help hospitality and entertainment businesses implement the new measures.

“We do not expect business owners or staff to be the police – if there are customers refusing to comply with the rules, then the police will step in,” the Minister said.

“These businesses are hardworking families - many have young employees - and they have experienced a really tough 18 months or more.

“When you are visiting these places, please respect the staff and the rules that they have in place.”

For more information and support, visit the Queensland government’s website.