Abuses puts added stress on struggling Tasmanian venues

Concerns have been raised that hospitality workers are copping abuse from patrons simply for enforcing coronavirus rules.

REPORTS of angry patrons venting at staff in Tasmanian restaurants has prompted a plea for calm from the State Government.

Small Business, Hospitality and Events Minister Sarah Courtney said she had received concerning reports of businesses bearing the brunt of public frustration over coronavirus rules.

“I am very disappointed to learn of recent instances where staff who are enforcing the rules have been abused by patrons,” Ms Courtney said.

“Those in the hospitality industry have been some of the most impacted, and I urge Tasmanians to continue to be kind and tolerant as staff implement the rules. Please continue to support your favourite pub or restaurant and be patient and understanding as they work hard to keep you safe.”

Some patrons are abusing waiting staff for enforcing coronavirus rules. Picture: Tourism Tasmania/Rob Burnett

Bangor Vineyard Shed owner Vanessa Dunbabin said a minority of patrons had become abusive towards staff.

“We haven’t seen this sort of behaviour before, it’s pretty unprecedented,” Mrs Dunbabin said.

“They’re getting frustrated if they turn up without a booking or if there’s not a particular table they wanted. The problem with that is it’s incredibly stressful for our team.”

Mrs Dunbabin said the four-square-metre rule was proving difficult for venues to explain to patrons, many of whom assumed all venues could accommodate 80.

She hoped the State Government could do more to educate the public about the rules to take some of the pressure off hospitality staff.

“We care about our team, which is why this matters to us,” she said.

“We’d like to thank our team and hospitality workers across Tasmania for the amazing work they are doing.”

Matt and Vanessa Dunbabin.

Tasmanian Hospitality Association CEO Steve Old said staff already struggling to negotiate and police complex coronavirus rules did not need the added stress of difficult patrons. “Please just take notice of what the venue staff tell you,” Mr Old said.

The State Government is under increasing pressure to relax the four-square-metre rule, which has left many bars and restaurants struggling to stay afloat.

Premier Peter Gutwein is due to announce further easing of restrictions on Friday.