##MP##

Businesses which fail to abide to COVID-19 vaccination mandates from tomorrow have been warned that Queensland Police will be patrolling dining and entertainment precincts.

From December 17, venues including pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants and cinemas will only be permitted to allow fully vaccinated people into their premises.

All staff must also be double dosed.

More than a dozen eateries in Cairns have publicised their opposition to the mandate by including their venues on a ‘Businesses Opposing Passports’ map.

##BA##

A QPS spokesperson said businesses can be fined $6,892 for failing to comply with the public health directions and further action can also be taken depending on the circumstances.

“This means customers entering these businesses will need to check-in to the venue and show evidence that they are fully vaccinated,” they said.

##PQ##

“The QPS will continue to take an educative approach to compliance around COVID-19 measures, however if blatant breaches are detected, we will take action.”

Businesses must clearly display the new rules and take ‘reasonable steps’ to ensure patrons are abiding.

Individuals can also be fined $1,378 for non-compliance.

“If business operators experience difficult customers who refuse to comply with the rules or leave the premises, they can contact police and we can assist," the QPS spokesperson said.

“We urge members of the community to be respectful to staff at businesses who will be following their obligations as part of this direction.”

The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health service says there has been a surge in people receiving vaccinations.

A spokesman said the rate has climbed from an average of 500 per day to more than a thousand.

About half of them are receiving booster shots. 

On Sunday, the federal government announced it will fast-track the booster rollout in light of Omicron's increasing spread. 

Double-dosed people are now eligible for a booster five months after their second jab, rather than six months. 

BUSINESS
COVID-19
HEALTH

Main points

  • The COVID-19 vaccination mandate banning unvaccinated people from certain venues begins tomorrow

  • Queensland Police will enforce the directive by patrolling entertainment and dining precincts

  • There has been a surge in people receiving vaccinations this week
Local police will conduct patrols of popular entertainment and dining precincts, particularly over the first weekend of the new direction.
SPOKESPERSON
QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE