New health pass would open Melbourne’s restaurants and arts scene sooner

A new “health pass” to reopen Melbourne’s dining and night-life scene could soon allow only vaccinated people entry into venues.

City of Melbourne councillors will consider lobbying the Victorian government to introduce the temporary health pass system.

The scheme would allow the vaccinated to enter participating restaurants, pubs, clubs and other venues.

The state has hit its 70 per cent vaccination target but Melburnians continue to endure their sixth lockdown barred from entering pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the pass would help to revive the hospitality, arts and entertainment sectors, and bring back the buzz to the city.

“Nowhere in Australia has been hit harder by devastating lockdowns than Melbourne, and our businesses should be the first in line to reopen safely,” she said.

“They’re prepared to do whatever it takes.”

Under the scheme, all staff at participating businesses would need be vaccinated, with the pass only operating until levels were sufficient to lift health restrictions.

It would require streamlined technology and processes to minimise the burden on venues.

Councillors will vote on whether they will advocate for the health pass on September 21.

City of Melbourne officer Roshena Campbell said it was time to reopen businesses and protect livelihoods.

“Our city’s businesses have been crippled after six lockdowns and the earlier businesses can reopen, the quicker our city can recover,” she said.

“This is a temporary measure that will get our businesses back on their feet sooner while we continue to work towards vaccination targets.”

 

Melbourne’s events and hospitality sector has been crippled by continuous Covid restrictions and lockdowns, with many forced to close down or cut stuff.

James Young, who is among industry figures pushing the reopening plan, said trialling a health pass system would minimise risks.

“First and foremost, we want staff in our venues to be safe. We want patrons to be safe. We don’t want anything to jeopardise that safety,” he said.

“An opt-in trial in the City of Melbourne is the perfect opportunity to identify and resolve issues in partnership with industry and government.”

rhiannon.tuffield@news.com.au