Check in – are local businesses checking out?

Some local businesses are not following the state government Covid requirements, according to customers.

A Phillip Island business owner contacted the Advertiser saying customers had raised concerns with them. Asking to remain anonymous and not wanting to “name and shame” any business, they said there were businesses not using QR codes or checking vaccination status.

“Customers are expressing concerns about those who are not complying and how they don’t feel safe,” the business owner said.

“Those businesses are letting the rest of us down. We are trying really hard and it is disappointing that not everyone is doing the right thing.”

They said their store offered a “click and collect” service to customers who were not fully vaccinated.

However other business owners say it is extremely stressful trying to manage the CovidSafe requirements.

Earlier this month, Donna Newton from the Jolly Lolly Trolley told the Advertiser she had closed her doors on several occasions, after staff were reduced to tears by an angry encounter with a customer.

“There’s always the occasional person who feels they have a right not to follow the rules,” she said. “They’re entitled to their opinion, and I know they’re probably stressed, but we are too. “I’ve been working in retail for 50 years, but now … the moment people say something rude, I burst into tears.”

Another shop owner said they asked customers to check in, wear a mask and use hand sanitiser but they weren’t policing the vaccination status, as it was “just too hard”. The financial and emotional cost of having someone check and confront customers was too high they said.

A spokesperson for the Victorian government said 43 compliance checks were conducted in Cowes between August 1 and November 24 and the majority of businesses inspected were found to be compliant.

“We know that businesses in the Cowes area have followed Chief Health Officer directions and are generally doing the right thing and we thank them for it,” the spokesperson said.

“The Victorian Government’s dedicated Industry Engagement and Enforcement Operation continues to enforce public health directions relating to workplaces, including that businesses have in place systems to confirm the vaccination requirements for workers and patrons.

“Authorised Officers are inspecting businesses right across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria and any business caught doing the wrong thing should expect a visit and potentially face a hefty fine or other enforcement actions. Anyone who believes that a business is not following the rules can make a complaint to the Police Assistance Line and the Operation will follow up with these businesses to ensure compliance.”

Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale said she had not been contacted by anyone with concerns about CovidSafe compliance and believed most businesses were doing the right thing.

Kim Storey from Destination Phillip Island said the organisation promoted opportunities for businesses to update their plans and compliance requirements.

CovidSafe

In May, Bass Coast Shire Council received $60,000 to employ Covid Business Support officers to work with businesses to help them meet the CovidSafe requirements. The funding was part of a state government program to help businesses stay safe and stay open.

At the time, it was explained the officers will help high-risk locations like markets and shopping strips comply with CovidSafe requirements, like checking in, physical distancing and cleaning.

They will work with local hospitality businesses, community venues and small retailers – like hairdressers, butchers and milk bars – to ensure they can stay CovidSafe, as well as delivering a wide range of information on CovidSafe practices to the community.

A council spokesperson said authorised state government CovidSafe Officers respond to concerns and do spot checks across the region.

“Our Business Support Team continues to reach out to local businesses to offer support and can be contacted at business.support@basscoast.vic.gov.au.

“We share information and resources as they are updated through our social media pages and monthly e-newsletters,” the spokesperson said.

Victoria Police said the state government was the leading agency in enforcing the vaccination passport program, but police would assist if requested.

“If a public order response is required, then Victoria Police will attend and investigate if necessary,” a spokesperson from the police media unit stated.

Anyone concerned about Covid breaches can call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. Workers can raise concerns via Worksafe on 1800 136 089.

Reports can also be made online, or direct through the Service Victoria App. Click on the Coronavirus tab, scroll to the bottom of the screen and select Lock-down breaches then select Report online.