North Brisbane cafe hires security guard after staff abused following introduction of vaccine mandates

Workers at a popular Brisbane cafe have been yelled at and sworn at during an ‘unpleasant’ weekend of customers unwilling to show their vaccination certificates.

Staff at a popular Brisbane cafe are shattered after being abused by customers unwilling to show their Covid-19 vaccination certificates at the weekend.

It followed new state government mandates, which came into effect on December 17, that allow pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes to re-open at full capacity as long as all staff and dine-in customers are vaccinated.

Cafes found breaching these rules can be fined between $6000 and $13,000.

Farm House Kedron owner John Scott said he was disappointed in the way some chose to treat the staff who were simply trying to follow the new rules.

Mr Scott, who opened the business with his wife Amanda in 2017, rostered on extra staff to help with the check-in process.

Seaton Pendlebury, the assistant manager, staff at Farmhouse Kedron were abused at the weekend after turning away customers unwilling to show their vaccination certificates. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“It is an extra cost to us but it is just part of the course,” Mr Scott said.

On Saturday it was manager Felipe Rizzi who copped the brunt of the abuse.

One man accused him of discrimination after he was denied entry for not having a vaccination certificate, another left yelling ‘I have money to spend’ and a law enforcement agent tried to get in using a badge, instead of a vaccination certificate.

Mr Rizzi said as hospitality workers they never asked to be police or security guards.

“We are there to serve people and now we have something else we have to do,” Mr Rizzi said.

“We all were polite and friendly with everyone but Friday and Saturday were not pleasant days for us.”

Mr Rizzi said they had to deal with abusive customers, being sworn at and yelled at.

“The few customers that were aggressive towards us had absolutely no idea what we were talking about. It doesn’t justify them being rude to us, but the lack of information from the government meant they didn’t actually know about the new rules.”

The busy cafe can have hundreds of customers walk through its doors every day.

“I don’t think people understand how many customers we deal with,” Mr Rizzi said. “You have one customer be rude to you or say this is ‘bullsh-t’ when we asked to see their vaccination certificate, but it is not just that one person – there were 10 before them.

“It just adds up in your mind.”

Mr Scott said it was not fair that his staff had been subjected to abuse.

“It is frustrating as we are just doing what we have been asked to do,” Mr Scott said.

“The staff are only doing their job.”

Farm House in Kedron. Photo: Tara Croser.

In order to prevent staff being abused Mr Scott hired a security guard to help with the check-in and vaccination status checks on Sunday – their busiest day of the week.

“There wasn’t one issue. We didn’t do it because we were worried about eruptions but it allowed our staff to just get on with their job,” he said.

Mr Scott said 99 per cent of customers did the right thing and he was so happy to open at full capacity again.

“We understand people’s frustrations, everybody does, but we didn’t write the rules. We just ask that people be nice to each other, we are all in the same boat,” he said.

Farm House Kedron shared their disappointment in a post on social media. Hundreds of customers took time to comment and apologise for the ‘rude’ and ‘intolerant’ people.

Lou Cherobim wrote: “I am sad that these abusive behaviours happened against those who are doing their job and following government rules. For those intolerant people, if you don’t want to get vaccinated, stay home or go to complain with QLD govt authorities. Farm House Kedron staff deserves respect.”

Melissa Tate wrote: “This is awful that you have to endure this kind of abuse – it’s not like it’s a surprise to people and if your fully vaccinated you have nothing to be upset about. Sad that there are people who think it’s OK to abuse businesses that are doing the right thing.”

Danielle Zemek said: “How disappointing our community has not supported you in the way you deserve.”

Laura Ottobrandi said: “I am so sorry to hear that people can treat your staff in that manner. They should be ashamed of themselves. What gives people the right to behave in such a manner and think that is acceptable behaviour.”