AS of Monday this week all patrons who like a beer or wine in a pub must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or they risk a significant fine.
The rule applies to patrons at Tasmanian venues where there is stand-up drinking.
With the borders to the rest of Australia opening in just seven days, Wednesday December 15, authorities say it’s not a case of if Covid infections arrive in Tasmania, but when.
From next Wednesday all hospitality staff will also have to be double vaxxed.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Sarah Courtney said the responsibility was on patrons to ensure they did not enter a premises or an event without being fully vaccinated.
“There is an obligation for licence holders, venue managers and event organisers to identify themselves as a premises subject to the vaccinated entry requirement through a sign visible to patrons,’’ Ms Courtney said.
“However, there is no obligation for business owners or event organisers to monitor or enforce compliance, but they can choose to check vaccination status and refuse entry as part of their own workplace risk management. “
Police may enforce compliance through random spot checks at venues and events, where they will be able to request evidence of vaccination, and can fine individuals for breaches.’’
Those caught flouting the rules could face an on the spot fine of $1557.
On Monday patrons at the New Norfolk Hotel public bar said they felt fine about the new rules, but commented getting proof of full vaccination should have been made easier as the MyGov website was complicated.
Bar attendant Jessica Oakley, of Brighton, said all staff at the New Norfolk Hotel had been double vaxxed ahead of the deadline.
The requirement to be fully vaccinated applies to pubs, clubs and events or areas of these locations where alcohol is served and patrons are not exclusively seated.
It does not apply to restaurants, cafes, clubs or licensed venues where patrons are required to be seated.
As well, it does not apply to guests at weddings and funerals, sports or community clubs, cinemas or stadiums.
As of last Friday, Tasmania’s vaccination rate was on target, with 93 per cent of those 12 and over having had at least one dose, and 86 per cent now fully vaccinated.
Premier Peter Gutwein said as long as everyone kept turning up, Tasmania would hit just over 90 per cent vaccination for everyone aged 12 years and over by the time borders reopen.
“This is a fantastic effort and a credit to all Tasmanians who have rolled up their sleeve, but with our reopening in sight, we are not there yet – so please, continue to turn up,’’ Mr Gutwein said.
“Importantly, there will be strong safeguards at our borders and in our community as a line of defence once COVID does appear in the community.
“All travellers entering Tasmania will be required to complete a Tas-E-Travel pass, which will be available on the Tas-E-Travel website from 12 December 2021.
“There will be numerous checks to ensure travellers are very clear on the requirements, along with additional biosecurity staff at domestic airports, providing information to travellers on those requirements, as an extra layer of support.’