Traders struggle at Ringwood’s Eastland as police begin patrols for face mask use
The new mask order has already had an impact — and it’s not on coronavirus numbers. Instead, traders at one of Melbourne’s biggest shopping centres are calling today “a new low’’.
Outer East
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An Eastland trader believes the State Government’s mask mandate has led to its quietest day since the coronavirus pandemic began.
The Ringwood shopping centre was eerily quiet when Maroondah Leader visited on Thursday on the first day of compulsory face mask use in Melbourne.
Police were spotted patrolling the centre to ensure shoppers complied with the government’s directions, with anyone caught without a mask potentially facing a $200 on-the-spot fine.
Police confirmed to Maroondah Leader they would be conducting daily patrols at the request of centre management.
They said they had not issued any fines on day one and their patrols were more focused on education and awareness.
Meanwhile, centre retailers David Jones and Seed and bike shop Bicycle Galleria in Town Square had signs at their entrances warning shoppers they would be denied entry without a mask.
Seed Eastland acting manager Bronte Grosvenor said she and her staff had stood near the entrance to ensure customers complied, following directions from the boutique’s head office.
Ms Grosvenor said the face mask rules had affected trade said the store was the quietest it had been since the coronavirus outbreak.
“Today’s a new low,” she said.
“But any store would be quiet today, its affecting the whole centre.”
Eastland general manager Greg Balmforth said it was individual traders’ decision to determine whether customers could enter their store.
But Mr Balmforth said the centre took the Government’s directions seriously and warned customers they could be asked to leave if they did not wear a mask.
“Our security team is working closely with local police, who are increasing their number of patrols at Eastland, to manage our community’s adherence to this mandate within the centre, which may involve directing people to purchase a face covering, or, if police are present, asking people to leave, or issuing a fine,” he said.
“We request customers and visitors adhere to this government mandated directive, unless they have a valid reason not to be wearing one.”
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