Dozens of clubs extend lock-out of the unvaccinated
Find out which clubs are extending their ban on those who have chosen not to be vaccinated, despite the government lifting restrictions this week.
Manly
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More than 50 clubs across NSW will continue their ban on the unvaccinated until 2022.
Despite restrictions for those who have refused the jab being lifted on Tuesday, dozens of clubs have chosen to extend the lockout and will only be open to the double vaccinated.
Clubs have said the decision will be reviewed monthly, with most looking to open to unvaccinated patrons in January or February next year.
Forestville RSL CEO Ian Thomas said they made the decision after feedback from club members, staff and the local community.
“We believe that allowing unvaccinated people to enter the club puts all of those groups’ safety at risk,” he said.
As daily case numbers climbed to a record 1742 on Thursday, unvaccinated club-goers will continue to be impacted as more premises jump on the ‘ban-wagon’.
“Providing an environment where everyone is fully vaccinated would logically be viewed as a safer environment than having unvaccinated people onsite,” Mr Thomas said.
Cronulla RSL is another major venue which will maintain mandated vaccinations for all members, guests and employees.
“Under Work Health and Safety legislation, our number one priority is our duty of care to ensure the health and safety of our members, guests and employees,” the Board of Directors’ President Ian Bourke wrote in an email to members.
“As such, the same requirements which are currently required to enter our club will remain, including QR code check-ins and proof of vaccination status.”
The board said it would review the policy in 2022.
Dennis McHugh, president of Tradies, who have clubs at Caringbah, Gymea and Helensburgh, noted the findings of the Doherty Institute’s health modelling stating those who are not fully vaccinated have a higher risk of transmitting Covid to staff and other patrons.
Entry will therefore be restricted to fully vaccinated members, guests and visitors over the age of 16, while those under 16 remain exempt.
“The board has also decided that this decision will be reviewed late January 22 or earlier if health orders or circumstances warrant,” Mr McHugh wrote.
It’s a hard pill to swallow for some who have resisted the push to get the jab.
Natalie Herbut, who has already experienced the exclusions placed upon the unvaccinated, says she will boycott businesses who extend the restrictions.
“It was tough, you did feel isolated, secluded from everyone else,” she said of the past few months.
After having her first facial this week she said she is looking forward to celebrating her freedoms but only with venues that welcome everyone.
“I don’t want to support businesses big or small that discriminate.”
A spokesman for ClubsNSW, the body representing clubs across the state, said they do not provide guidelines to their members beyond official health orders, leaving it up to individual clubs and their boards of directors.
CLUBS EXTENDING BANS ON THE UNVACCINATED
INNER WEST
Ashfield RSL
Club Ashfield
Petersham RSL Club
Club Five Dock RSL
Alexandria-Erskineville Bowling Club
SOUTHERN SYDNEY – ST GEORGE & SUTHERLAND SHIRE
Hurstville RSL Club
South Hurstville RSL Club
Club Kirrawee
South Croa Bowling Club
Club Engadine
Cronulla RSL Club
Diggers Miranda
Ramsgate RSL Memorial Club
Bundeena CSC
Oatley RSL
WESTERN AND SOUTH WESTERN SYDNEY
Campbelltown RSL
Campbelltown City Bowling Club
Lakeside Golf Club Camden
Camden Golf Club
Camden RSL
Camden Sports Club
Bankstown Golf Club
Club Condell park
Padstow RSL Club
Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club
Penrith RSL
Panthers Penrith
Chester Hill RSL
Campsie RSL Club
Wests League Club
Smithfield RSL
Wenty Leagues
Liverpool Catholic Club
Rooty Hill RSL
Merrylands RSL
Seven Hills RSL
Blacktown RSL
EASTERN SUBURBS & SOUTH EASTERN SUBURBS
Coogee Diggers
Coogee Legion Club
Easts Leagues
Eastern Suburbs Legion Club
Maroubra Seals Club
The Juniors Kingsford
The Juniors Malabar
The Juniors Maroubra
NORTHERN SYDNEY
Forestville RSL
Dee Why RSL
Mosman Club
Beach Club Collaroy
Balgowlah RSL
Club Totem
Narrabeen RSL
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