Covid vaccine restrictions: What it will cost patrons if new rules broken
If you are a business owner or patron willing to break the State Government’s new incoming vaccination restrictions next month, it’s going to cost you. SEE THE FULL FINE BREAKDOWN
Police & Courts
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Unvaccinated patrons who enter Queensland pubs, clubs and hotels from December 17 will be hit with a $1378 fine while the venues face fines up to $6892 for letting them in.
The new penalties come as police map out their strategy for when occupancy restrictions ease and Queensland hits its target vaccination rate of 80 per cent of eligible adults.
The fines are similar to those venues faced through the Covid pandemic if they breached occupancy limits under directions from the chief health officer.
Patrons will need to check-in and show evidence that they are fully vaccinated as they enter a venue.
Darling Downs City Patrol Group Acting-Inspector Greg Wheeler said the onus would be on the venues to make sure all patrons checked in and provided that proof, and to report patrons who refuse.
“If business operators are experiencing difficult customers who refuse to comply with the rules, they can call the police,” he said.
“Police will work closely with local businesses and the community to ensure everyone is following the rules.
“While we do not expect business owners and employees to have to act as police, we do ask that they understand and abide by their obligations – as they have done previously with the check-in app.”
Police will take an education approach as they have each time restrictions have changed during the Covid pandemic.
“Between police and the Office of Liquor and Gaming we already do checks on businesses so this will be another extension,” he said.
“We know Queensland has continuously been challenged with what Covid has thrown at us – but overall our community has done a tremendous job in working together and getting through it.”
When Queensland hits the 80 per cent vaccination target interstate border restrictions will ease allowing the free movement from a Covid hotspot.
Insp Wheeler urged anyone who was not vaccinated to get their jab now.