Albany hospitality venues prepare for proof-of-vaccination requirements as WA border opening looms

Albany hospitality venues are preparing for proof-of-vaccination rules to be implemented in rural WA as the industry waits for details of the State’s long-term plan.

As of January 4, patrons entering “high risk” venues in Perth and Peel must show they have been double-vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter.

Proof of vaccination is compulsory at all Perth and Peel nightclubs, as well as major events, music festivals, pubs, taverns and hotels with a capacity of more than 500 people.

It is also compulsory on the Crown Perth gaming floor and at licensed venues which trade after midnight.

With less than 24 hours to implement the new rules, many venues were left scrambling to work out how they would be enforced.

On Monday Premier Mark McGowan said the State Government was finalising a long-term proof-of-vaccination policy which would cover a “wide range of licensed events and venues, restaurants as well as riskier environments like indoor fitness centres”.

“This policy will come into force as we move closer to easing border controls,” he said.

“If you have not had your first dose yet, please make your first booking today otherwise life is about to get difficult for you.”

On Tuesday the State Government launched its Service WA app which is touted as a “one-stop shop” for COVID logistics including checking into venues with SafeWA, showing proof of vaccination and accessing a G2G Pass for interstate travel.

No proof-of-vaccination protocols have been announced for venues or events in regional WA, but with the State’s hard border due to come down in less than a month, industry leaders believe it is only a matter of time.

White Star and Three Anchors owner David Steytler said his team was preparing for the rules to be extended to regional hospitality venues before the border opened.

“I think the biggest issue is just going to be venues like us and Three Anchors with multiple entrances and how we police checking everybody’s vaccinations,” he said.

“It is going to be hard on quieter days. On weekends we have security on so they can do that job, the same as they check IDs.

“But at the moment we will just need to work out how we get everybody checked without every single staff member checking every customer.”

Mr Steytler said with proof-of-vaccination rules already in place in Perth and Peel, he hoped regional residents would know what to expect before they are introduced in Albany.

“It is just being respectful to staff and realising that it is something we are required to do just like all the other RSA laws and everything that we need to abide by,” he said.

“We hope they just respect that we need to do that.”