Best & Less to ban unvaccinated customers from NSW stores

As one state prepares for ‘Freedom Day’, a leaked letter to staff has revealed that unvaxxed shoppers won’t be able to visit this retailer’s stores.

A letter leaked on Facebook has revealed that retail giant Best & Less will exclude customers who are unvaccinated from its NSW stores.

Announcing its reopening plans to staff, which the brand calls Besties, the head of retail Joseph van Dyk outlined when the chain expects to throw open its doors.

He said customers will need to be fully vaccinated to shop in stores, while employees will also be required to be double jabbed.

“The NSW Government has recently started to outline their road map to easing restrictions in NSW. This is exciting news, and we look forward to welcoming you back to serve our customers and trade our stores as soon as current restrictions are lifted,” the email read.

“We are excited to be reopening our NSW stores in October and would like your help to do so in the safest way possible.”

The NSW Government has said only fully vaccinated people and those with medical exemptions will be able to access businesses including pubs, restaurants and cafes, as well as retail settings, entertainment venues and health and beauty services, after the state hits the 70 per cent double-dose target.

Best & Less flagged October 18 as a potential reopening date, although noted it could be earlier based on vaccination rates.

The letter to Best & Less staff. Picture: Facebook

The letter to Best & Less staff. Picture: Facebook

Rodney Orrock, CEO of Best & Less Group, said the business was complying with NSW government requirements.

“The NSW Government has indicated that all employees and customers of non-essential retail stores must be fully vaccinated to attend stores once the state reaches the 70 per cent fully vaccinated threshold,” he said.

“In order to comply with the NSW Government’s position and continue to serve our customers in our NSW stores, we are ensuring our team members are well informed about the relevant health orders and are providing them with paid vaccination leave.

“Best & Less is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our team members and customers and will continue to adhere to strict Covid-safe protocols to ensure the safety of everyone in our stores.”

Best & Less chairman Jason Murray and CEO Rodney Orrock (right). Picture: Supplied

The internal letter to staff outlined that the retailer had “been advised that all our Besties will be required to be fully vaccinated as well”.

“Whilst we wait for official details on how that applies to us, it is important for us to understand your vaccination status so that we can comply with the impending NSW government directives,” Mr van Dyk wrote.

“As a result, we are asking all Besties to advise us of their vaccination status prior to recommencing work in store. Your status is either ‘unvaccinated’, ‘single dose’ or ‘fully vaccinated’.

“If you are not fully vaccinated but you are booked in for a vaccination appointment, please also let us know when your appointment is.”

The Best & Less headquarters in Sydney. Picture: Supplied

However, he added that staff providing their vaccination status is voluntary.

“This may change as the NSW Government issues a public health order requiring all staff in-store be vaccinated, or if our Best&Less vaccine policy changes,” he said.

He added: “We may need evidence of your vaccination status before you can return to work in store.”

Australian gambling giant, Crow Resorts, has mandated its Covid-19 vaccination not just for its 20,000 staff members but also potentially for its millions of customers.

In a statement, Crown Resorts wrote it would “urgently consult its stakeholders and employees regarding mandatory vaccination which could apply to all its staff and members of the public who plan to visit or stay at any of its resorts around Australia”.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce has also confirmed the Australian airline will mandate Covid-19 vaccinations for all passengers flying overseas, as the country gears up to reopen some international routes by Christmas.

Best & Less stores are expected to reopen on October 18, if not earlier. Picture: Supplied

Several Aussie companies have mandated vaccines for staff including fruit and vegetable giant SPC, Qantas and Virgin Australia.

Australian Retailers Association (ARA) CEO Paul Zahra has welcomed the NSW Government’s reopening road map, but said there’s still some details to be ironed, including how proof of vaccination will work and be enforced under the existing QR code check-in system.

He backed businesses following NSW protocols for a safe and staged reopening, adding that vaccinations are a safety measure for the protection of customers and staff.

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

But other Aussie business owners declared they would welcome people to their restaurants, salons and pubs even if they aren’t vaccinated against Covid-19.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned even at 80 per cent new freedoms will only be available to those who have been vaxxed.

“At 80 per cent additional freedoms will be for those who are fully vaccinated,” she said.

She added it would be a “period of time” after that before unvaccinated people can enjoy those same freedoms and that decision will be based on the health advice.

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