North Pier Hotel targeted amid Covid vaccine economy trials
Anti-vaxxers have targeted a Phillip Island hotel as a result of it being included in the Covid vaccination economy trial. Here’s how.
Bass Coast News
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A Phillip Island hotel has been targeted by anti-vaxxers amid Covid vaccine economy trials rolling out across the state.
North Pier Hotel in Cowes is one of 14 businesses and events from six regional Victorian local government areas chosen to take part in the two-week trial which started Monday.
It will allow the venue to host 30 people inside and 100 people outside.
But Senior Sergeant Peter Watson said protesters targeted the venue this week by sticking posters on the windows with messages against the trials.
He said they were immediately taken down but police will have to “wait and see” whether the backlash will increase over the next few days.
North Pier Hotel said on Facebook they were part of the initiative because they wanted “to open and get back to work”.
People have also given the hotel one star reviews on Google.
“Discriminatory business. Not on my visit list,” reviewer Chris B said.
“Let the segregation begin, you guys are well and truly enablers of segregation. Disgrace!” James D’Agostino wrote.
It comes after a Warrnambool real estate agent, who is also part of the trial, received multiple phone calls from upset “haters”.
“There’s plenty of haters out there — but haters who have just read the one line and not looked into it deeper,” owner Daniel Roberts said.
Bass State Labor MP Jordan Crugnale said it was “fantastic” two Bass Coast businesses were involved.
“These trials will support our local businesses and community organisations to open with the appropriate systems in place as we move toward a vaccinated economy and more freedoms,” she said.
“It means that Victorians can get back to enjoying being part of their community in greater numbers.
“It’s a win all round.”
Churchill Island Cafe, run by Phillip Island Nature Parks, are also part of the trial but is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
North Pier Hotel was contacted for comment.
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