Mandate freedom

DAVE Peters, owner of The Caledonian Hotel in Wonthaggi, has welcomed the scrapping of restrictions and mandates on hospitality venues.

The state government announced last week that patrons no longer must show their vaccination status before entering any venue, while check-in requirements have also been removed.

“It’s about time. I’m relieved,” Dave told the Sentinel-Times.

“I was never in support of the mandates – it was discrimination.

“It’s a burden on the staff that didn’t need to be unnecessarily placed on staff.

“I felt that the hospitality sector along with beauty and hairdressing were being targeted unfairly.

“When restrictions were eased the general perception was that I can go to Bunnings and I’ll be safe, but I can’t go to the pub because

I’ve still got to sign in, they must still have issues in regard to COVID transmissions.”

And with elections looming, it is no wonder mandates are further easing.

While being vaccinated is still a mandate for Dave’s hospitality team, the pressure has eased on patrons.

“Anybody can come into a pub again,” he said.

But a 37 percent reduction in security guards renewing their license (due to vaccination requirements) is another problem Dave faces.

“We can’t get security. I’m sourcing security from Cranbourne, Pakenham, Narre Warren, but when they drive past five or six licensed venues also looking for staff, they’re not going to drive an extra hour for the same money,” he said.

“Hopefully the requirement for fully vaccinated employees across all sectors gets removed soon.

“I’m not anti-vax, I’m pro-choice.”

Since re-opening Dave has also noticed other issues arise, particularly social issues with young adults.

“The amount of people in their late teens early 20s that socially and emotionally haven’t developed due to isolation,” he said.

“We have quite a lot of trouble now with that age group because they never really had the opportunity to turn 18 and go to the pub with half a dozen mates.

“They don’t know how to behave – it’s something the police have acknowledged is a rising concern.

“The ongoing costs (of extended lockdowns) was it justified?

“Over the last two years, we have had four or five times where a bunch of local people have got together because one of their friends died by suicide, you can’t say being isolated, not being able to get out and socialize or interact with their friends didn’t impact (their situation).

“Domestic violence has also increased dramatically.

“We will be doing an event soon in conjunction with CASA (Centre Against Sexual Assault).”

Addressing it at an industry level is another important issue for Dave, for the benefit of his staff and patrons.

“If they’re not comfortable, for whatever reason, they can approach staff,” he said.

“I think it’s a subject that’s important.”