MONTHS of lockdown have meant that northern beaches residents are only too happy to flash their COVID vaccine passport to gain newfound freedoms, business owners say.
With the fully vaxxed now able to to go places the unvaxxed can't, many are heading back to their favourite eatery, bar and gym.
Michael Patching, owner of the hugely popular Mrs Robertson Wine Bar, said his clientele have been only too happy to show their passport to gain entry into his Newport venue.
"I'm actually surprised by how seamless it's been. I must admit I haven't had any dramas yet," he said. "It's probably just the older, entitled people who have been having a bit of a moan."
It's been the same for F45 Frenchs Forest owner Meredith Julliard, who said her members were keen to get back to the gym as soon as they could.
It's probably just the older, entitled people who have been having a bit of a moan.
- Mrs Robertson Wine Bar owner Michael Patching
"We've been pretty systematic with it, but we also knew our membership was highly vaccinated," she said. "Prior to opening our members had to send in their vaccination form. We haven't had any pushback from it at all."
Ms Julliard said her strong stance on sighting everyone's vaccination passport, has given her members confidence to return to the gym.
"The people who are double vaxxed like that level of security," she said. "We've only got five members who've chosen to keep their membership on hold."
Mr Patching said customers have been returning in droves since restrictions eased on October 11.
"We've been flat out and we've probably had as good a week as I've ever had," Mr Patching said. "Friday, Saturday and Sunday have been insane."
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
