Surfers Paradise operators satisfied with day one of vaccine mandates but still ’nervous’

Day one of vaccine mandates have left some Surfers Paradise operators pleasantly surprised, as patrons continue to flow through their venues.

Gold Coast operators fearing their businesses would be left bare as vaccine mandates came into effect across the state on Friday were pleasantly surprised.

Despite customers now requiring proof of their full vaccination status, foot traffic throughout Surfers Paradise eateries remained steady and encounters pleasant.

However, Greek on Soul owner Nicholas Ioannou said the true test would come during the oceanfront venue’s most prominent trading hours at the weekend.

“There’s been no reaction from customers to mandates yet,” he said.

“Our night trade will show whether people are going to head out regardless or the fact the mandates have come in and they choose to stay in.”

Mr Ioannou said customers had been pleasant and complied with check-ins, but he admitted to being “a bit nervous” about enforcing mandates.

It was a similar story for Glen Day at Pancakes in Paradise, who made headlines this week by declaring he would flout the new mandate.

Mr Day has been widely applauded for his stance, with one customer who identified himself as anti-mandate interrupting his discussion with the Bulletin to shake hands.

Staff at the Surfers Paradise eatery were approached by regulators on Thursday – 24 hours before mandates took hold.

Patrons dine outside near Surfers Paradise eatery Greek on Soul. Picture: Richard Gosling

“I think they visited quite a few restaurants yesterday to make sure they understand the situation,” Mr Day explained.

“They do say we have to make a good attempt to follow the mandate, which I have been doing by asking people to check in.”

He believes staff are complying by asking visitors to check in through the state government app, though would stop short of asking to view a customer’s vaccination status.

Glen Day from Pancakes in Paradise. Picture: Richard Gosling

“I will not put my staff in that position (of policing vaccination checks), because there’s a lot of people who are doubled vaxxed who still don’t want to show us their medical information,” Mr Day said.

Business owners who openly said they were going to flout the new vaccination mandate could expect a visit from police, Commissioner Katarina Carroll said.

Speaking at a press conference hours after the mandate took effect, Ms Carroll said officers had already received eight calls for service, as police ramped up “activity in this space”.

Foot traffic through Surfers Paradise during day one of vaccine mandates. Picture: Richard Gosling

Patrons are required to show proof of full Covid vaccination to “non-essential” businesses. Those who don’t comply could be fined $1378.50.

Asked whether defiant operators would be targeted, Ms Carroll said: “I think that it’s disappointing that people have done that, but they have given police very good intelligence, so they will definitely be getting a visit from police.”

A Queensland Police spokesman confirmed there was been one call for service across the Gold Coast in relation to assisting businesses with a difficult male, which was resolved with no action taken.

“Gold Coast police have conducted dozens of compliance checks at businesses, recording a high level of compliance,” the spokesman said.

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll says defiant operators will “definitely be getting a visit from police. Picture: Adam Head

Police anticipate early challenges and will take an educational, compassionate approach, but won’t hesitate to fine those who blatantly break the law.

“ … everyone entering pubs, clubs, restaurants and cinemas will need to be fully vaccinated,” Ms Carroll said.

“Businesses … must display the new rules and this will really help inform the customers.

“It is actually up to the operators to make sure the patrons meet those requirements.

“We urge Queenslanders to be extraordinarily respectful and be kind to each other. This is the law.

“If businesses are experiencing difficulties or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call police.

“And remember, we’ve always taken a really educated approach on this, but if there’s blatant disregard for the rules, for the law, there are fines for individuals up to $1378 and for businesses from $6892.”