Anti-vaxxers target popular Sydney restaurant after it announces new post-lockdown double-vax rule

One of Sydney’s finest restaurants has been savaged by anti-vaxxers over a post about what dining will look like after lockdown.

One of Sydney’s most popular harbour restaurants has faced heated backlash following its announcement that only fully vaccinated customers will be allowed to dine there once the state reaches its vaccination target.

Aria restaurant, owned by TV chef Matt Moran and Bruce Solomon, founder of hospitality group Solotel, announced on Thursday its plan for when restaurants were allowed to re-open.

The restaurant said in a post to Instagram it would be taking bookings onwards from October 18, but only from people who were fully vaccinated.

“As per the NSW Government advice, only fully vaccinated guests will be allowed to enter our venue and all staff will be wearing masks and check-in processes will be in place,” the post read.

Sydney's Aria Restaurant was targeted by anti-vaxxers after it announced its reopening. Picture: Instagram/ariarestaurant

Owners perhaps were not expecting to receive such a huge wave of pushback from Sydneysiders as many accused the business of unfairly leaving out a big chunk of its clientele.

“Nobody asked for you to declare this, why not support all of your customers? I’ll never eat in your restaurants again,” one Instagram user wrote in a comment.

Another argued the restaurant was failing to stand up for diners who were being “coerced” into getting the Covid-19 vaccine.

“Would be awesome if you stood up for people who are being forced and coerced into getting jabbed to function in society. Unfortunately I can see already by the comments you will lose a lot of business,” they wrote.

Someone else expressed how they were uncomfortable with hospitality venues knowing their medical information.

“Since when does a restaurant have a right to get up in your personal medical history?” their comment read.

Another person argued the restaurant’s move was discriminatory against people who couldn’t get the vaccine or didn’t want to.

“Pretty certain you’ve shot yourselves in the foot. Look how many people won’t tolerate your discrimination. Will be sure to let people know you don’t support human rights,” they wrote.

Someone else said they “wouldn’t have paid to eat here anyway” and there “definitely was not a chance now”.

Anti-vaxxers have accused the restaurant of being discriminatory. Picture: Instagram/ariarestaurant

Others thought the business’ decision would cause them to go bust.

“You only have yourself to blame when you go under! Businesses who discriminate deserve no business,” one wrote.

“You’re following the advice of the same people that shut you down without a care,” another said.

“Gosh. if the lockdowns didn’t ruin your business, this ridiculous announcement certainly will,” a third wrote.

Restaurant responds to backlash

While a large volume of responses were from people who didn’t support the restaurant’s move, many were accepting of the fact it was only following state government direction.

Co-owner Matt Moran assured the community the naysayers would have no impact on the business’ plan moving forward.

“We are excited to be able to open reservations at our restaurants following the NSW Government announcement on Thursday 9 September that once the NSW population reaches 70 per cent target of fully vaccinated, for those eligible, our restaurants can reopen,” Mr Moran told news.com.au.

“We are doing everything in accordance with the NSW Government Health Orders and will continue to abide by all government guidelines.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the state’s map out of lockdown on Thursday, revealing it would begin the Monday after the state hits 70 per cent vaccination.

She said people would need to prove they had been fully vaccinated at the door of hospitality venues if they wanted to enter, using a “vaccine passport” linked to the Service NSW app.

Regional travel was also expected to resume once the 70 per cent target was reached, with a travel permit system also to be introduced for Sydneysiders.

The state’s crisis cabinet signed off on the plans on Wednesday night, and the details were announced at Thursday’s press conference.

The Premier also announced a shift in policy away from holding a coronavirus press conference every day.

She said ministers would be available on days where there was news to present, but the government was accused of shying away from scrutiny before the outbreak had reached its peak.