Shocking number of Gold Coast businesses not checking vaccination status

Gold Coasters have taken a relaxed approach to Queensland’s vaccine mandate as venues continue to publicly defy the state government’s rules.

Gold Coasters have taken a relaxed approach to Queensland’s vaccine mandate, with more than half of businesses not bothering to check customers’ vaccination status.

Since Friday, only double jabbed people have been allowed to enter pubs, clubs, cinemas, festivals and theme parks and visit vulnerable settings such as hospitals and aged care accommodation.

Business operators have been ordered to check customers’ proof of vaccination through the Check in Qld app or a hard copy vaccination certificate.

The Bulletin observed 20 non-essential businesses across the Coast over three days from December 19 to 21 to find out if vaccination status was being checked.

Of the 20 businesses, only eight asked for proof of vaccination while another 12 didn’t check customers at all.

Security at the Burleigh Pavilion checking the vaccination status of patrons on entry. Picture: Jerad Williams

Of the businesses observed, hospitality venues appeared to be the most relaxed about the rules.

This included a Surfers Paradise cafe which let a customer sit down to have a coffee on Friday without asking them to check-in or provide proof of their vaccination.

Entertainment businesses had the strictest approach, with one Oxenford venue ensuring all customers wore masks, were checked-in and had shown their Covid vaccine digital certificates.

Several Gold Coast venues have publicly vowed to defy the state government’s mandate, opting for an open slather approach instead.

Staff at The Bedroom Lounge Bar in Surfers Paradise check vaccination status of patrons on entry. Picture: Jerad Williams

On Tuesday, police commissioner Katarina Carroll said there was one arrest and four infringement notices handed out due to people deliberately failing to comply with public health directions in the past 24 hours.

She said police were taking a compassionate approach with enforcing directives.

Business owners who don’t take reasonable steps to comply with mandates can face fines reaching $6892. Customers can be fined $1378.50.

Staff at The Bedroom Lounge Bar in Surfers Paradise check vaccination status of patrons on entry. Picture: Jerad William

A sign urging customers to show proof of vaccination. Picture: Steve Pohlner

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