The state government is set to trial reopening pubs in regional Victoria to vaccinated customers.Credit:iStock
Based on the state’s vaccine rollout progress,Victoria is expected to hit a single dose target of 70 per cent by mid-September driven,in part,by a stronger vaccination rates in recent days and more doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
As part of the trial,pubs and restaurants want the state government to introduce a new public health order requiring staff and patrons to be fully vaccinated in order to enter a venue,as a way of protecting businesses from accusations of discrimination.
Industry groups believe the order would provide employers and businesses with adequate protection,and will take the proposal to the Andrews government within days,ahead of any vaccine passport trial.
Restaurant and Catering Association chief executive Wes Lambert said he was aware a trial was being considered and confirmed he had begun early talks with state government representatives. He said regional venues would be keen to sign up to any pilot program.
“It seems Victoria is getting closer to the NSW approach,” Mr Lambert said.
Mr Lambert said the association intended to make a submission to the state government as early as this week requesting the government use a public health order to protect hospitality businesses that refuse service to unvaccinated patrons.
“Discrimination is about something you cannot change,in this case you are choosing whether to be vaccinated,” he said.