Covid-19 Delta outbreak: What hospitality businesses think about the vaccine pass

The vaccine pass has been described as "a step in the right direction" by a Tauranga bar owner.

However, several hospitality businesses in the city have concerns about enforcing the pass with customers.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said last week vaccine certificates would be mandatory for high-risk settings including large gatherings, events and festivals, but could also be needed to go to hospitality venues like bars and restaurants.

Luke van Veen, of Papa Mo's and Frosty & Fox, said the vaccine pass was "the perfect thing" for ticketed events but there would be difficulties in hospitality venues.

"For something like a bar and restaurant like us, it's probably very hard to enforce," he said.

This was due to the legality around mandating the pass and people's "free choice".

"I think the vaccine itself is a great thing. The more people that can get it, the safer we all are, for my team, my staff, my customers and my business," he said.

"I'm all for that as to allow us to get back to no restrictions as soon as possible."

Co-owners of Frosty & Fox Luke van Veen and Lisa Kerr pictured in 2020. Photo / George Novak

Matua Bar owner Tony Climo said vaccine passes were a "logical step and necessary" to avoid further lockdowns in the Bay.

"I feel it's simply a matter of time before vaccine passports will be introduced," he said.

While the business was in "pretty good shape", Climo said that vaccine passes would be another "step in the right direction" for the bar.

"I am sure we will encounter some negativity but if it means we can avoid lockdowns then it's got to be worth it."

Climo said "most customers" seemed to think they would become a part of everyday life.

"We do have some patrons that are against it or somewhat hesitant but not the majority."

EasyGo Thai owner Nick Boyes said while the vaccine pass would be "advantageous" for business, he was most concerned about how this would be policed.

It would be "too much responsibility" for front-of-house staff and ensuring the safety of both staff and customers was crucial.

"I have thought a lot about it. I am in two minds.

"It would be advantageous from a business perspective as it would encourage people to come out and spend money."

Boyes said it was not his job to make judgements on people's choices, however he also did not want to "scare" vaccinated customers away.

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Matt Cowley. Photo / George Novak

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Matt Cowley said we must do "whatever it takes" to ensure Tauranga was open for business this summer.

"It's been an incredibly tiring and stressful 18 months for Tauranga's small businesses," he said.

"Businesses have either ground to a halt, or they are incredibly busy but are constrained by labour shortages or supply chain delays."

Rules for the vaccine pass needed to be "common sense" and "relevant to the risks", he said.

"Otherwise, people will find ways to work around them, and compliance will be poor."

Cowley said some businesses were awaiting instructions from the Government before preparing for the rollout of the vaccine pass, while indoor venues like movie theatres and performance venues were already factoring them into their protocols.