A Dubbo cafe owner wants people to remember hospitality workers did not make the new rules that will allow only fully vaccinated customers to enter during NSW's first stage of reopening after lockdown.
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Short Street Store proprietor Krysten Hedger says she and her team are all "pretty excited" to welcome their first dine-in patrons since August 11 when COVID broke out in the city.
But she is also "a bit nervous" about how they will navigate the requirement to admit only those fully vaccinated against the virus, laid out in public health orders for the state's reopening at the 70 per cent double-dose vaccination threshold.
NSW is edging closer to the milestone, putting it on track to ease restrictions for the twice-jabbed on October 11.
On Sunday the government confirmed on-the-spot fines of $1000 may apply to individuals and $5000 may apply to businesses not complying with the vaccination requirements.
The bulk of restrictions on unvaccinated people will only lift on December 1.
The release of the road map to reopening gave rise to concern among business owners across the state about having to enforce the vaccination rules.
It's been one of the reopening issues Ms Hedger has had to consider carefully, as she told the Daily Liberal last week.
It's a difficult situation to be in to have to turn someone away due to vaccination, the only solace is that it is only temporary.
- Short Street Store owner Krysten Hedger
"It's a difficult situation to be in to have to turn someone away due to vaccination, the only solace is that it is only temporary," she said.
The cafe owner contests the responsibility is not the business's alone.
"As much as we will do our best to make this compliant and safe I do think people need to understand that it is also up to the customer to cooperate as much as possible as we get through the next couple of months," Ms Hedger said.
"It seems very unfair that there is so much responsibility put onto a business who has just been doing all they can to survive.
It seems very unfair that there is so much responsibility put onto a business who has just been doing all they can to survive.
- Krysten Hedger
"I also think it's important to mention that some of the people upholding these new rules are just young people doing what we have all been instructed is necessary, however upset this may make some people they need to remember it isn't us making these rules.
"I am hopeful though that we will have a smooth transition as our customer base has been nothing but supportive and kind throughout this current lockdown, something I will always be grateful for."
Ms Hedger said they would be using the time before reopening to train staff and update systems so they were prepared.
Their plan is to keep takeaway at the window only, which they would be making changes to improve in coming weeks, and have dine-in only permitted in store, she said.
"Ideally we will be able to operate on a booking system, which I am also in the process of making improvements on," she said.
"My main goal is to have it as safe as possible for staff and customers, and as easy as it can be for them as well."
When asked about business concerns about enforcing the vaccination rules on Sunday, NSW health minister Brad Hazzard said there were strict requirements laid down under the public health orders, but also generally in occupational work and safety requirements.
"So they should be doing what they can to keep their workplace safe, they have an obligation to their employees, and of course to people who come through into their businesses," he said.
"But I'd like to think this is not about enforcement, it's about making sure that all of us together do what we've done so well.
"Why are we actually now in the position we are - well we're in a very positive place heading into an even more positive place because businesses and individuals have all worked very, very hard to get vaccinated and to make sure our community is safe."
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