Mackay region pubs close doors over state government vaccine mandate
Three popular Mackay region pubs have chosen to shutter in some capacity on the back of state government’s Covid rules for the unvaccinated. Find out where.
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Three popular Mackay region pubs have chosen to shutter in some capacity on the back of state government’s Covid laws for the unvaccinated at eateries and licensed venues.
The Eton Hotel posted on social media it would close from December 18 to 30 because of “the current government mandates”.
“We are a family owned and run small country pub that value our patrons and their choices,” the post read.
“We will return to trading as normal from December 30.”
The bottle shop will operate as usual.
As of December 17 proof of vaccination is necessary to enter pubs, clubs, taverns, bars, restaurants, hotels, cafes or dine-in at fast food venues.
Anyone with a medical exemption must have a medical certificate stating they are exempt from getting the vaccine.
The Criterion Hotel at Finch Hatton has opted to close its doors to in-house customers citing an inability “to police” who is and is not vaccinated.
But the venue will still trade with takeaway meals and drinks.
“This is a government directive to have vaccinated customers only, which we are unable to police,” a post on social media read.
Carmila Hotel owners said “with a heavy heart” they had decided to close the venue because of the vaccination mandate and called on the Isaac community to contact Mayor Anne Baker about the new rules.
“We send out our sincere apologies to all our locals and all the travellers that would be enjoying a few beers over the (Christmas) break,” they wrote.
“This is an absolute shame for our local Isaac tourism and our small community.”
The owners stated they were not anti-vaccination but believed in freedom of choice.
“Everyone is welcomed to have (their) own opinion but (Annastacia Palaszczuk) has taken that away,” they wrote.
“We need to make a noise about these restrictions so let’s write, ring or email our mayor Anne Baker and let her know how we feel about our local pub being closed and what it’s (going to) do to our local tourism.”
This publication has reached out to each of the venues for comment.
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