NSW pub owners receive mixed response to no double jab, no entry rules

THE requirement to be fully vaccinated in order to enter selected NSW premises has been met with mixed reactions.

As of Monday, in accordance with the new Public Health Order, anyone over 16 years is required to show their show COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate or Immunisation History Statement upon entry to businesses such as pubs and clubs.

Gol Gol Hotel and Crown Hotel Wentworth agree they have been quieter than normal, which may also be a flow on effect from the snap lockdown in Mildura.

“It’s been very, very quiet but where we live the vaccination take up hasn’t been as strong as it has been in Mildura,” Gol Gol Hotel owner Peter Pretscherer said.

“I think it is sitting at about the 50 per cent mark, which is probably what we are seeing, which is that one in two are double vaxxed.

“There is (also) not a great awareness of the double vax policy in NSW, with a lot of our clients getting their information from Victoria, which has not implemented that policy just yet.”

Mr Pretscherer said while the new policy is aiming to keep everyone safe, it also poses some difficulties.

“We have to check at the door and then turn them away if they aren’t double vaxxed and being in hospitality where we are friendly, it’s horrible having to turn people away,

“The double vax is the way it has got to be, the sooner we get there, the better.”

For Crown Hotel Wentworth owner Rachel Hill the reaction for most of her clientele has been positive.

“The customers we have been able to have in they are absolutely rapt that coming out to the pub is quite a safe place to be in, given that they won’t be interacting with anyone that hasn’t had the chance to get the jab,” she said.

“There has been some pretty disappointing reactions from some people that have wanted to come in and when asked for a copy of their vaccination, they ask if the policy is true, I have been abused at that point.

“However moving forward people know that pubs and clubs are a safe place to be with everyone inside double vaccinated, which will work in our favour to make people feel comfortable to come out.”

Ms Hill said the biggest hurdle many are facing is showing proof of their vaccination status.

“Victorians already have in place the app, which shows the certificate but NSW government wasn’t actually ready for that on Monday so that is quite a significant challenge at the moment,” she said.

“Many have been bringing in printed copies and we are working on helping our customers wherever possible by scanning them and creating business sized copies for them to use when out.”