Mandatory staff vaccinations throw hospitality into tailspin

The State Labor Governments sudden rule change that all hospitality staff must be double vaccinated rather than single vaccinated has hit business hard.

State Liberal Member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish has heard from local hospitality business owners who are trying to get back on their feet and were rocked by the sudden change.

Speaking in Parliament, Ms McLeish said, “With only three days’ notice of this mandated change, hospitality has been going through grief organising and then reorganising rosters.”

“Business owners see this as a backward step as they find themselves short eight or more staff over weekend trade. Small regional businesses simply do not have staff to lose.”

With Victorians coming out of lockdown and crowds flocking from Melbourne, businesses are genuinely worried that they will not be able to meet the demand.

Some hospitality business owners have already chosen to continue to operate with 10 patrons inside so that staff with only one jab can work.

Ms McLeish continues, “It has been a slug for hospitality businesses who have faced snap closures, prolonged closures and capped numbers of patrons.”

“The Premier needs to be condemned for making these late changes with no warning or support, again showing he does not care about small business,” Ms McLeish concludes.