From midnight tonight, Canberra’s non-essential small retailers will be permitted to operate through click-and-collect and click-and-deliver services under modified ACT restrictions.
For the last fortnight of lockdown, ACT non-essential retail businesses have not been allowed to trade in any capacity.
Businesses that had 20 or fewer fulltime equivalent employees as of 12 August 2021 will be permitted to operate with no more than two people present on the premises at any one time.
The playing field will be levelled, with large retailers in hardware, pet supplies, office supplies and others deemed essential also required to move to a similar contactless mode of operation. These stores will remain open but will operate under contactless means only.
Only tradespeople will continue to be able to enter hardware and building supply stores on commencement of the modified direction.
All other non-essential businesses that have been unable to operate in lockdown can now have up to two people enter their premises for emergency purposes, be that: maintenance work; accepting deliveries; and to conduct essential administrative tasks.
Gyms, health clubs, fitness centres, wellness centres and dance studios will also be allowed two people at any one time to attend the premises to film, live stream or broadcast classes to patrons.
‘The fight was worth it’ for local florist
As one of the businesses positively affected by the announcement, owner and operator of florist Moxom + Whitney, Loulou Moxom told Canberra Daily the announcement means “everything” to her.
“It means being able to get back on my feet slowly,” she said.
“This morning I was chatting to my accountant, then this literally happened as we were preparing for the worst.
“It’s incredible, the fight was worth it.”
With orders already coming in, Moxom + Whitney won’t be able to start operating until Monday when their stock arrives, albeit in a “really different format” to what they’re used to.
Normally having up to seven or eight staff on hand in the shop, operating with just two will be a compromise, but one well worth it.
It will also be “delivery only” to start.
“We’ve never done this,” Ms Moxom said. “It’s baby steps for us, but who cares, we’re open and with the community support, I think we’re going to get through this, we’ll make it happen.”
The florist said she has been touched and humbled by the response that she and other small businesses have received from the community throughout lockdown.
“The community support that small businesses have had over this, say what you like about Ken Behrens, but they’re an awesome mob,” she smiled.
‘We’re going to see more businesses close’
Braddon United Retail and Traders (BURT) spokesperson Kel Watt told Canberra Daily the announcement is “a good step forward” but called for targeted support of the other sectors that are still unable to operate.
“While this is a good step forward, I think it’s given some people a glimmer of hope, there are plenty of businesses that this makes no changes to,” he said.
“You can’t have contactless haircuts, you can’t have contactless makeup, you can’t have contactless massage …. They will need ongoing support and some consideration about how some restrictions can be lifted, or adjustments can be made.”
While satisfied with the action the ACT Government is taking, Mr Watt said it’s vital that steps are taken to reopen industries where safe and to offer targeted support where that’s not possible, with conditions dire for many who are not allowed to trade.
“Where there’s no risk, such as somebody working on their own in a florist, it’s good to see some common sense come in for that.
“It’s a very sad outlook, I think some of the signs today that there will be some small steps taken forward will be a relief, but not enough to keep many businesses afloat,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I think we’re going to see more businesses close, and people are making those decisions now.
“There’s certainly a sense of sadness and despair from many.”
Further information on the adjustments to businesses is available here.
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