Queensland’s Covid-19 vaccine mandate explained

Queensland’s vaccine mandate will come into effect on December 17. This is what you need to know about who is affected and how businesses can prepare.

Queensland’s restrictions for unvaccinated residents will begin on December 17, with only vaccinated staff and patrons allowed to enter hospitality and entertainment venues.

The mandate was finalised on Tuesday by the state government.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath has clarified that it was compulsory for businesses under the mandate to only allow vaccinated residents in, with them unable to opt out and enforce social distancing rules.

“I’m seeing a bit of chatter on social media that there is a view that businesses have the option of opting out and staying with density limits and Covid safe plans, that is incorrect,” she said.

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath speaks during a media conference at the Story Bridge Hotel in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dan Peled

“Can I make it very clear, if you are defined as a business that requires your staff and your patrons to be fully vaccinated then you are bound by that directive, you cannot choose to follow that directive, it is a lawful direction.”

She said businesses could show they only allowed vaccinated patrons by displaying a green tick sign in their shopfront.

Covid-19 check-in sign.

The mandate meant hospitality venues would be able to operate at full capacity.

Significant fines of up to $13,000 would apply for people who were abusive or deliberately spat, coughed or sneezed on hospitality staff.

WHAT BUSINESSES DOES THE VACCINE MANDATE APPLY TO?

Businesses who allow only vaccinated patrons to enter their premises can operate at full capacity from December 17.

These businesses include pubs, clubs, taverns, bars, restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets, as well as nightclubs, live music venues, karaoke bars, concerts, theatres or cinemas and casinos.

The mandate also applies to festivals, sporting stadiums, theme parks and convention centres.

Queensland Government-owned galleries, museums or libraries are also included in the mandate.

HOW WILL VACCINATION STATUS BE CHECKED?

Staff at these businesses will use the Check In Qld app to collect contact information, proof of vaccination or evidence of medical contraindication from all staff, guests and patrons upon entry.

CAN BUSINESSES OPT OUT OF THE VACCINE MANDATE?

No, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said businesses under the vaccine mandate must only allow entry for vaccinated patrons and staff as a part of the lawful direction.

WHAT ARE THE RESTRICTIONS FOR UNVACCINATED PEOPLE FROM DECEMBER 17?

Unvaccinated Queenslanders will not be able to visit hospitality venues, vulnerable settings like hospitals, festivals, galleries and indoor and outdoor entertainment venues.

If any person attending a wedding is unvaccinated only 20 people can attend.

Unvaccinated people can access essential services, supermarkets, retail stores, public transport, places of worship and funerals.

WHAT FINES CAN BUSINESSES, CUSTOMERS FACE FOR BREAKING THE RULES?

Penalties for people refusing to comply with the vaccine mandate are $1378 for a person.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath announced on Tuesday people who become abusive and deliberately spit, cough or sneeze on hospitality workers will face $1378 on-the-spot fines or up to $13,000 and six months’ jail if convicted in court.

HOW CAN CUSTOMERS DISTINGUISH WHAT BUSINESSES REQUIRE A VACCINE CERTIFICATE TO ENTER?

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath announced people can identify venues that only allow vaccinated patrons by a green tick sign at the entrance.

HOW SHOULD BUSINESSES DEAL WITH CUSTOMERS WHO ARE NOT COMPLYING?

Businesses should call the police if customers are refusing to comply with the rules.

Originally published as Queensland’s Covid-19 vaccine mandate explained