Wonthaggi’s The Caledonian Hotel reduces capacity for unvaccinated

A Wonthaggi publican says he is letting unvaccinated people into his pub to not “discriminate” against anti-vaxxers.

The Caledonian Hotel is a well known pub in Wonthaggi.

A Wonthaggi publican has cut his capacity limits to allow unvaccinated people into its pub.

Under the restrictions in regional Victoria, if businesses aren’t checking if people are fully vaccinated, 10 customers are allowed indoors and 30 are allowed outdoors.

If all customers are fully vaccinated, 30 people are allowed indoors and 100 are allowed outdoors.

The Caledonian Hotel owner David Peters told The Bass Coast News he wanted “everyone” to feel comfortable at his pub.

“We were getting a lot of phone inquiries about it because people were confused about whether they could dine in or not,” he said.

“We have a few regulars who haven’t been vaccinated for whatever reason so it was more so they would feel comfortable and welcome.”

Mr Peters, who has received his first Covid vaccination, said customer’s health choices shouldn’t be his concern.

“I don’t believe it’s my job as a publican to tell people what they should or shouldn’t do with their health,” he said.

“Nor do I believe we should discriminate based on what health decision people make.”

He said “locking people out of society” based on a health choice was “wrong”.

“Everyone has had plenty of time to get vaccinated if they wanted to get vaccinated,” Mr Peters said.

“Those that don’t, know the risk of not getting vaccinated.”

After posting his message on social media, Mr Peters said he received “plenty of support” but others called him “ignorant”.

“We aren’t anti-vaxxers,” he said.

“People who have had both the vaccination shots should be understanding that not everyone wants to be vaccinated.”

As of 6pm on Friday October 29, restaurants, pubs, gyms and hairdressers will open with no caps subject to a one person per four square metres limit.

All staff and patrons must be fully vaccinated.

Businesses that are required to check the vaccination status of their customers, must ensure appropriate signage is in place so that customers are aware of their obligations.

If a business is mandated to have vaccinated staff or customers and is not following these obligations, authorised officers can issue a fine of between $1817 and $10,904.

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