Pixels Arcade in Noosa wary of Covid-19 customers

Staff at a popular Sunshine Coast arcade bar say they’re ‘concerned’ as updated public health and social measures come into place from December 17.

Workers at a popular Noosa Heads arcade bar say they’re ‘concerned’ about the updated public health and social measures beginning from December 17.

From Friday requirements to check proof of vaccination come into place in Queensland.

Staff members at Pixels Barcade, Zoe Tyler and Finn Nevard, hoped customers understood the rules of entry.

“We’re mostly concerned in terms of aggression from customers,” Ms Tyler said.

“It was a concern for us when they just had to wear masks in the venue so now given they have to prove if they are vaccinated or not is worrying.

“In saying that most people have been lovely and super understanding of the rules in place.”

Eased restrictions for businesses

From 17 December 2021, there will be no capacity restrictions on businesses that are only permitted to allow fully vaccinated people to attend, including:

• hospitality venues such as pubs, clubs, taverns, bars, restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets
• indoor entertainment venues such as nightclubs, live music venues, karaoke bars, concerts, theatres or cinemas, casinos
• outdoor entertainment activities such as sporting stadiums or theme parks
• festivals – either indoor or outdoor – such as musical festivals, folk festivals or arts festivals
• activities – either indoor or outdoor – such as convention centres and showgrounds
• Queensland Government owned galleries, museums or libraries

Venues used for private hire will have no capacity limit if people attending are fully vaccinated. However, if there is a person attending who is not fully vaccinated, COVID-19 density restrictions will apply. This means a maximum of 20 people or 1 per 4 square meters, whichever is less.

Pixels Noosa workers Zoe Tyler and Finn Nevard. Picture: Eddie Franklin

Pixels Barcade, situated on Hastings St next door to the Rolling Rock nightclub, transforms from an arcade to a bar from 9pm.

Mr Nevard said trying to refuse entry to customers can sometimes be difficult.

“Given we’re in a nightclub area trying to get people to follow the rules in place especially after they’ve had a few drinks is stressful,” he said.

“On those Friday and Saturday nights we can get really busy so the assistance from security and police definitely helps us a lot,” Mr Nevard said.

“We always just try to handle it the best way possible and we explain the rules that have been put in place by the Government.”

Ms Tyler said the restrictions shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone.

“Everyone has been aware of it for weeks now and so far I’d say around 80 per cent of people that we’ve had to deal with have been fine,” she said.