Gladys Berejiklian says venues should be able to refuse entry to unvaccinated patrons

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said music venues and other businesses should be allowed to refuse entry to those who are unvaccinated against COVID-19.

Doing the media rounds this morning, Berejiklian said there should be incentives in place for Australians to get vaccinated when possible.

“I don’t ever like to force anybody to do anything,” she told 2GB this morning.

“But we’d like there to be an incentive system where people are encouraged to have it because it means they can do all these things which they may otherwise not have been able to do.”

Berejiklian pointed out that airlines have previously indicated they will not permit passengers to fly if they haven’t been vaccinated, and that discussions between state and federal governments on how to incentivise the vaccine will take place in the coming weeks.

“We will also consider whether we allow venues to [act similarly to airlines] — and venues do that already, people make up their own rules if they run a business or have a workplace about what they feel is COVID-Safe,” she said.

“Whilst it’s the Federal Government’s responsibility in terms of the vaccine and the rollout, all workplaces and state governments will have a say in encouraging people to take it.”

COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be rolled out by mid to late-February, following approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration. According to chief medical officer Paul Kelly, Australians will likely be receiving either the Oxford-AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccine.