Victorian lockdown ending for retailers

Victorian retailers have hit out at the government for its delay in allowing the outdoor retail sector to reopen.

Pharmacies and general retailers can reopen with limited opening times after the majority of people in Victoria have been fully vaccinated.

There were seven new coronavirus deaths in Victoria on Monday. The vaccine’s 80 per cent target is not expected to be reached until November.

Tim Piper of the Australian Industry Group said the confusion between the rules for hospitality and retail was not clear.

“To expect someone to put something on a footpath is simply not realistic for some people and not helpful for others.”

Paul Zahra, the head of Australia’s retailers association, said most stores would remain closed until the target of 80 per cent double dose was reached.

Non-essential retailers will not be allowed to reopen until next week.

The government defended their approach to ending the lockdown.

Harvey Norman has ruled out the use of outdoor furniture and electrical outlets.

The retail sector has been hit hard by the Lockdown, with August data showing that spending in Victoria fell by a significant amount.

The lord mayor said the council was receiving inquiries about how to set up an outdoor trade area.

When the outdoor dining program was introduced, some of the hospitality businesses were initially not convinced that it would work.

The ultimate goal is that the state achieves the full vaccination rate of 80 per cent, which would allow traders to attract more customers.

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