Business not as usual when policing proof-of-vaccination laws in South West

South West businesses have had mixed reactions to WA’s new proof-of-vaccination requirements, some saying it’s not an issue while others say it puts extra pressure on staff who are already exhausted from the summer’s tourism and hospitality high season. One popular late-night venue owner said “it is ridiculous that we are in charge of policing this” and feels businesses haven’t had enough support from the State Government. From Monday morning anyone wanting to do their shopping, dine in a cafe or head to the gym has been asked to prove their double-dose vaccination status on entry to these venues as part of the new State Government rules. Since January 4, proof of vaccination has been required for higher-risk venues and events in Perth and Peel regions, but the rules were expanded to include venues and events Statewide from January 31. Melo Velo owner Brad Linfield said he hasn’t had any issues and feels signage displayed at the front of the cafe has helped patrons adapt. “We’ve had no problems at all, it has been good,” he said. “We were unsure to begin with about how it was going to work but we went online and found a lot of resource is there we could use. For us it’s not been an issue.” The Tramp Trattoria owner Ashleigh Hornibrook said patrons have been understanding to the new requirements. “Everyone’s pretty on to it I think,” she said. “The first week was always going to be hard but once people get into the swing of it I think it will be fine.” Ms Hornibrook said it would have been nice to see more support for businesses, but people have been mostly compliant. “On busier days it’s going to be a lot more difficult, for example, we have one staff member coming in earlier on Saturday morning because of the weekend rush,” she said. “I imagine for bigger establishments it will be a lot harder to manage.” Prince of Wales Hotel venue manager Jacqui Thorn said signage has been placed around the Prince to inform patrons of the vaccination requirements, and staff have displayed handmade signage to explain the processes staff will use to check patron vaccination certificates on entry. While most customers had been understanding, the extra work was an added burden for staff. “We’re having our bar staff check everyone who comes in, which can be difficult because we have multiple entrances to our venue,” Ms Thorn said. “We’re turning some people away who either haven’t prepared their proof of vaccination or who don’t have 40 minutes to sit outside setting up the app.” February is a quiet month in the South West’s hospitality sector, so increasing staffing is not an option. “We can’t increase staff because we’re turning away a portion of our customers,” Ms Thorn said. “If we could we would, but it’s not feasible.” Ms Thorn said she felt let down by the State Government for not providing more tangible support to the hospitality, tourism and small business sectors. “In my opinion it is ridiculous that we are in charge of policing this, we cop the fine if something goes wrong, yet we’re being given no help and no suggestions on how to operate or how to police it,” she said. At the South West Sports Centre a staff member was positioned at the front of the facility on Monday and Tuesday to check the vaccination status of patrons as an interim measure while the membership database was updated. City of Bunbury chief executive Mal Osborne said members have now had their vaccination status added to their membership, while casual users will need to show their proof of vaccination to use the gym and group fitness studios. “South West Sports Centre has updated its membership database to ensure only fully vaccinated members, or those with an exemption, are using the gym and fitness studios,” Mr Osborne said. “Members who have provided their proof-of-vaccination status will now be able to enter the areas that fall under the directions via their access cards. “The centre would like to thank its members and users for providing certificates, allowing for a smoother transition under the new State Government proof-of-vaccination requirements.” Other City of Bunbury-owned venues — the Bunbury Wildlife Park, Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre, City of Bunbury public libraries and the city administration buildings and visitors centre — do not require proof of vaccination, however, mask restrictions remain in place.