Venues back proposed COVID vaccine ban but say staff are the priority

Hospitality heavyweights have backed a proposal banning anti-vaxxers from certain venues, but believe it should only happen under one condition.

Hospitality heavyweights have backed a proposal that could see anti-vaxxers who don’t get a COVID jab banned from certain venues, but believe it should only be rolled out once everyone has a chance to get the vaccine. Inoculating staff is also seen as a higher priority.

Pub baron Craig Laundy has no problem with the government mandating an anti-vaxxer ban for venues, but said there is still “a lot of work to do” before the policy could be implemented.

“I don’t think we can implement this until everyone has had a chance to be inoculated,” he said.

Craig Laundy, pictured with his father Arthur Laundy at the Marsden Brewhouse, said there needs to be more clarity on whether employers will be able to require staff to get vaccinated. Picture: Tim Hunter

Mr Laundy also wanted more clarity from the state and federal governments on whether employers will be able to require staff to get the jab.

He said enforcement of a ‘no jab no entry’ rule could also pose problems for venues.

“If someone fraudulently enters a venue and they are caught, the responsibility should lie with them (and not the venue),” he said.

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan believed any anti-vaxxer ban for venues should be mandated by the government rather than being left to individual businesses.

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan said the plan should only be implemented after the vaccine has been rolled out. Picture: Dylan Robinson

He said the government “has got it 100 per cent right” but the plan should only be implemented after the vaccine has been rolled out.

“I think it’s a good move to give people confidence going back into restaurants and bars,” he said.

Restaurant and Catering CEO Wes Lambert said: “any proposal that would seek to restrict hospitality businesses should not come into effect until after the vaccine rollout is completed”.

“Ensuring staff are vaccinated as quickly as possible is the key priority for the hospitality sector,” Mr Lambert said.

Restaurant and Catering CEO Wes Lambert.

Labor health spokesman Ryan Park welcomed discussion about requiring proof of vaccination to enter a venue, after the jab becomes readily available.

He said the government should ensure there is “adequate time and information out there, particularly for people who aren’t born in Australia or may not have access to healthcare”.

In regards to whether bosses should be able to require their staff to get vaccinated, Mr Park said: “down the track it might be something that we look at”.

Meanwhile, eligible businesses across the state can now register to take part in a scheme to give NSW residents four $25 vouchers for food and entertainment.

The ‘Dine & Discover’ scheme will first be trialled in The Rocks and Broken Hill early next month, before being expanded to the Northern Beaches, the Sydney CBD and Bega Valley Shire Council by late February.

“This program will reinvigorate local economies and provide customers with hip pocket relief,” Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said.

The state government will automatically pay businesses for the value of vouchers redeemed by patrons, typically within five days, Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said.