With new measures taking effect to keep Queenslanders safe in pubs, clubs and cafes from Friday, the Palaszczuk Government is asking everyone to show respect for workers when they are asked to show proof of vaccination.
Launching the Be Kind at Check In Time campaign today, Minister for Health Yvette D’Ath said venues will be required to take all reasonable steps to comply with the Public Health and Social Measures Direction from December 17.
“That means hospitality and entertainment venues will be asking customers for proof of vaccination as they enter the premises or when they order,” Minister D’Ath said.
“I appreciate the commitment of many businesses that have gone above and beyond to assist Queensland’s response to COVID-19 – and now it’s our turn to support those business and their staff.
“Their actions have contributed to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our community and allowed Queensland to reopen its borders and relax restrictions on businesses.”
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the Be Kind at Check In Time campaign will run throughout the state over the next four weeks.
“We’re taking to the airwaves, newsfeeds and shopfronts with a simple message – Be Kind,” Minister Farmer said.
“Small businesses have really borne the brunt of COVID-19 restrictions and Friday will be such a special day to be at full capacity with fully vaccinated patrons and staff.
“When you are asked to show proof of vaccination, please remember that businesses owners and staff are simply doing their job.
“This is how we live with the virus on our terms and without closing businesses.”
Minister Farmer said aggressive and abusive behaviour was completely unacceptable.
“If businesses come across a non-compliant customer who refuses to the leave the premises, they should contact the Queensland Police,” Minister Farmer said.
“If you are anti-vaccination, that is your choice, but it does not give you the right to abuse those working hard to keep Queenslanders safe.”
Clear signage will indicate a venue’s vaccination requirements at the point of entry and service.
Penalties will apply for those people who do not comply, including $1,378 fines.
Milton Common owner Jimmy Young said the easing of capacity restrictions was an early Christmas present and marked the start of a new COVID normal.
“We’re just so happy to be able to have a full house again from Friday, especially with families reuniting and the borders opening,” Mr Young said.
“Our team is doing everything it can to make sure our customers are safe in line with the new rules.
“A bit of patience and respect goes a long way as we enter this new COVID normal for everyone.
“We’ve got quite a few younger staff who work really hard, and they don’t deserve to cop a serve from anyone just for doing their job.”
In addition to the Be Kind at Check In Time campaign, there are a range of materials available to help businesses implement the new public health measures, including signage, Q&As and information on the Business Queensland website.
More than 2,000 businesses have already accessed TAFE Queensland’s free online course to help them understand the new measures and manage the entry of customers, including checking their vaccination status.
To show your support for the Be Kind at Check In Time campaign, materials can be downloaded from www.business.qld.gov.au/vaccination-restrictions.
