Harry’s Clothing Berwick: Retailer vows to continue reopening his shop despite hefty fines
A Berwick retailer who has already been slapped with an almost $10,000 fine and shutdown by DHHS says he plans to reopen on the weekend in support for small businesses as locals start a GoFundMe campaign to help him.
South East
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A Berwick retailer already slapped with an almost $10,000 fine for trading during lockdown has vowed to defy restrictions again this weekend and take a stand for all struggling small businesses.
Harry’s Clothing owner Harry Hutchinson, who was slapped with a $9913 fine for operating in breach of the stage 4 Chief Health Officer directions on Thursday, said he vows to reopen on Saturday despite a stern warning from police and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Mr Hutchinson said DHHS had shut down his store on Friday after he failed to produce a valid covid-safe plan.
“We’re actually emailing that and sending them the appropriate forms and we’ll be right to open to tomorrow,” he said.
“I am reopening tomorrow, I have to reopen tomorrow – I’ve got to show support and it’s a weakness if I don’t reopen over a $10,000 fine – I'll cop it because I’m doing this for all small businesses.”
He said he would continue to reopen despite facing hefty fines.
“We’ve had a GoFundMe page set up and the support from the community has been fantastic. If I have to sell my car well so be it because it’s my decision.
“The fine is going to hurt … I have generally been open seven days a week and I’m very nervous about tomorrow.
“I know it’s going to be a busy day and I know a lot of people will come down and support me, but I know the heavies will come in to fine me.”
Mr Hutchinson said he responded to criticism about his move to reopen being a “political stunt”.
“I did this for my business but when it blew out of the water – I took a stand for small businesses owners who are suffering.
“I voted for Dan Andrews and he rolled up his sleeves to remove the level crossings and did exactly what he said he would, but he lost me at the hotel inquiry.”
He said he was “overwhelmed” by the community’s support and urged everyone to support small businesses.
“Please support small businesses, they need your help now more than ever. We need to get out there and support restaurants, retailers and wholesalers – please get out there and give them your support.”
Clyde North local and OBrien Real Estate corporate director Darren Hutchins, who started a GoFundMe campaign to support Mr Hutchinson, said the cash raised would hopefully assist with legal fees and pending fines.
“We can shop at Coles, Woolies, Dan Murphys so as long as we are all using covid-safe protocols, why can’t we all open our businesses?,” Mr Hutchins said.
“Harry along with most business owners are employers that not only employ people but indirectly employ and support family networks. I’d love to see Berwick traders come together and in a show of protest.”
DHHS has been contacted for comment.
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