Business groups in the Wimmera are watching the rollout of an opt-in-vaccinated economy trial set to start in set businesses across the state on October 11.
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The vaccinated economy trials were announced by Minister Martin Pakula on Sunday as part of the state's roadmap out of COVID-19 restrictions.
Under the trials, select businesses in the Buloke, Pyrenees, Greater Bendigo, Warrnambool, East Gippsland and Bass Coast local government areas will be able to operate under expanded patron caps, provided all attendees are fully vaccinated.
The success of the trials could pave the way for all of Victoria to become an open, vaccinated economy, however, Wimmera business owners are still looking for more clarification on the specifics of the program.
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West Vic Business ambassador Stacey Taig said the trials had not come as a surprise to her and believed the vaccinated economy was the only option to return to normal trading.
"It is an inevitable thing, and I think for us to move forward and keep the economy moving, something like this is not a bad thing," she said.
"Obviously, if we are to move forward and get things happening this is an essential part of it. As a community, we all need to respect that and accept what is required of us, and work with the businesses and the business owners."
However, Ms Taig had concerns about potential encounters which could arise as a result of refusing service based on vaccine history.
"I have personally witnessed some less than desirable encounters just with the request for ID," she said.
"You would hope people would behave in an adult and respectable fashion and understand the requirements placed on the business owners and the staff.
"But unfortunately, there are still those people that react in a way that is inappropriate."
Ms Taig called for the Victorian government to consider what training and programs could be put in place to potentially reduce the impact of having to bar un-vaccinated customers from services.
"I certainly won't be putting my staff in harm's way or put them in a situation that may cause them harm or grief. Everyone is anxious enough."
She said conflict management and customer service training could be considered.
"I would estimate most staff are not trained and equipped to handle conflict in a way that they will be expected to," she said.
"That is certainly something the government has to look at and I know there are program ideas that have been thrown around and that is something we have been pushing for, programs that deliver more tangible results for business owners.
"Those people on the front line, those workers who are dealing with those individuals need support and training and I would hope that is being done ahead of any rollout of a program like this.
"They are the ones who are bearing the brunt of those who aren't happy with the situation."
Exchange Hotel owner and Wimmera Hotels Association representative Nick Murray said the hospitality industry had also been watching the trails across the state to see how it may affect business.
Although he supported the move to reopen Victoria's regional economy, he mirrored concerns about possible conflicts with staff having to refuse service.
"The last thing we want is to turn publicans and their staff into the police. It is not up to us to decide the validity of someone's medical history or vaccination history," he said.
"So the government needs to have a good hard look at how they are going to make that work.
"I certainly won't be putting my staff in harm's way or put them in a situation that may cause them harm or grief. Everyone is anxious enough."
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Mr Murray said Horsham's hospitality industry was already struggling to recruit staff under the current circumstances and was concerned the added pressure of having to police vaccine status would drive many away from the industry.
He also said having to employ a dedicated door-staff to check the vaccine status of patrons was not financially viable.
"If I have to have someone standing at the door checking vaccination passes, that is a $60,000 a year in cost for me. Who is going to pick up that tab," he said.
"Businesses can afford to have someone standing at the door, it is just not practical or viable.
"Short of putting in a turnstile like when you go to the MCG, you can't be everywhere at all times. I am interested to see how physically it will work.
"Pubs have huge overheads and low margins, so if I am putting on one more full-time staff member to stand at the door and check IDs that is a huge cost, probably closer to $100,000."
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