Toowoomba businesses surprised by public’s reaction to new vaccine mandates

Darling Down businesses stepped into a new world Friday morning, after statewide mandates came into effect – leaving many surprised with the public’s reaction.

MASK UP: Toowoomba businesses and staff, like Marnie Alderman customer service at The Coffee Emporium Toowoomba, have seen in new vaccine mandates and requirements this weekend. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Businesses opened their doors to a new world on Friday morning, with the response surprising many employees.

The state government’s vaccine mandates came into play yesterday, restricting unvaccinated residents from entering various venues, including hospitality storefronts. However business owners said customers had been “very helpful”.

“We expected people to put up a bit of a fight, but everyone we’ve encountered, well the ones who can check in and the ones who can’t, are more than happy to work with us and not put up a wall and throw their toys,” Coffee Emporium and Greenwattle Cafe owner James Riwaka said.

“It’s been a lot easier than everyone expected.”

Mr Riwaka said Thursday – prior to the enforced mandates – saw an increase in customers across the Grand Central Shopping Centre in Toowoomba’s CBD.

“There was a lot less people for a Friday morning, and you can definitely tell the centre is quiet,” Mr Riwaka said.

“For December, we were expecting a higher traffic rate, but in saying that, yesterday was a lot busier than normal.

“I think those who knew they wouldn’t be able to come out wanted to get out while they could.”

Mr Riwaka said his staff had spoken with regular customers in the previous weeks to ensure a smoother transition with introducing the mandates.
  “With the QR codes and check-ins, it’s really muscle memory at this point,” he said.
  “We had a chat with some of our regulars to get the gist of what we can and can’t do to prep for it, and that's been helpful.”

The Spotted Cow Hotel venue manager Jabin Pirlo said there had been “no dramas at this stage”, however there might be “teething issues” in the coming weeks.

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl (pictured above) said it was a “typical Friday morning” for many businesses in the CBD.

“Everyone’s been respectful and they’re doing the right thing,” he said.
  “Some cafes in particular have made some adjustments so they can serve straight onto the street.
  “Everyone is nice, calm and respectful, so I think we’re going in the right direction.”   Meanwhile, Grand Central Management said it would do “all it can to support hospitality and indoor entertainment retailers” during this time.
  “We are working closely with our retail partners affected by the changes, to ensure that they have appropriate signage in place and are checking customers’ vaccination status on entry,” Grand Central centre manager Claire Torkington said.
She confirmed that the centre was taking steps to ensure that the new mask mandate was adhered to when it came into effect tomorrow.