Helga’s Pancake House in Cairns switches to ‘takeaway’ to challenge mandate
A Cairns food business has invited patrons to bring their camping chairs and assemble outside its business “in case you need a rest” while waiting for takeaways as the Covid mandate takes effect.
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A CAIRNS eatery is encouraging its patrons to bring their camping chairs and wait outside the business for their takeaway meals after it announced it was closing its indoor when the new mandate regulations kick in.
As Far North Queensland residents and business owners grapple with Friday’s mandate rules and the mask directions which came into play at 1am today, Helga’s Pancake House issued via social media an invitation for people looking to get takeaways to bring their own seating.
“From Monday on & until the 16th December we will serve ALL (sic) of our guests in our outdoor area only,” the post stated.
“On the 17th we will be closed.
“From the 18th of December and until further notice we will go takeaway only for ALL our customers.
“Minimal seating outside will be provided.
“We encourage you to bring camping chairs and tables along in case you need a rest.
“We will also provide a limited number of these camping accessories to rent out.”
When the Cairns Post called Helga’s Pancake House which is situated on the corner of Grafton and Spence Streets, Cairns City, a woman who did not identify herself declined to comment, other than to say, “I don’t talk to media,” and “I’m lawyered up.”
A Queensland Police spokesman said they are working closely with local businesses and the community to ensure everyone follow the new public health direction.
“Throughout the pandemic, the high levels of compliance from business operators and residents across Queensland has been exceptional – including mask wearing, adhering to venue capacity limits, social distancing and the wide use of the check-in app,” he said.
“Queensland Police Service has maintained a communication and compassion approach to achieve compliance.
“We urge members of the community to be respectful to staff at businesses who will be following their obligations as part of this direction.
“If business operators experience difficult customers who refuse to comply with the rules or leave the premises, they can contact police and we can assist.
“Local police will conduct patrols of popular entertainment and dining precincts, particularly over the first weekend of the new direction and will continue to take an educative approach to compliance around Covid-19 measures.
“However, if blatant breaches are detected, we will take action.”
A Queensland Health spokeswoman said all staff and patrons entering the premises of a non-essential business must be vaccinated.
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Originally published as Helga’s Pancake House in Cairns switches to ‘takeaway’ to challenge mandate
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