Businesses going to extraordinary lengths to survive under ever-changing COVID restrictions and council regulations

A “fed-up” cafe owner has taken to social media in a plea to stop customers abusing his staff for simply following coronavirus restrictions.

CUSTOMERS can be assured local eateries are up to date on all the latest COVID-related requirements, says one Hobart business owner, as another reveals the abuse levelled at his staff.

Whisk and Co cafe owner Danny Veis said he loved being in the hospitality industry, but the lengths businesses were having to go to in order to survive and comply with ever-changing restrictions, social distancing practices and council regulations were extensive.

He said in the space of about a week the Lenah Valley eatery had been visited by Hobart City Council officers twice, WorkSafe Tasmania undertook an inspection and a Tasmania Police officer visited to check compliance after a complaint from a member of the public.

“People are not always sure what the rules and regulations are but they still think they do, so it’s important they get the facts before jumping to conclusions and wasting the time of the police and council,” he said.

Owner of Whisk and Co Cafe in Lenah Valley, Danny Veis. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Mr Veis said with the help of Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds and Alderman Marti Zucco he had eventually convinced the council to change his permit for outdoor seating to move the tables and chairs about three metres from where they were originally agreed to be placed.

He said the new set-up allowed for better social distancing.

Meanwhile, “fed up” Born in Brunswick owner Con Vailas took to social media this week posting about “people and their impatience and thinking it’s OK to abuse either myself or my staff”.

Born in Brunswick owner Con Vailas has had enough of his staff copping abuse from customers. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“It’s been hard enough as it is throughout this COVID period,” he wrote.

“We’ve had to adapt, adjust and change the way we do things, but we have remained resilient and our doors have remained opened this whole entire time, even adding in a day of trade.

“We live in a fast paced world. People are increasingly time poor and more stressed or plain rude.

“All we ask is to please practice some common courtesy, kindness and understanding during this time.

“If you are rude, we will be rude back and don’t be shocked by this as we don’t tolerate any kind of s... behaviour.”

I don’t often go on social media to have a rant but am honestly fed up with people and their impatience and thinking...

Posted by Born In Brunswick on Wednesday, 29 July 2020

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