THAI Basil owner Pawel Poplawski has warned Wimmera businesses to be "aware and on the lookout", after an essential traveller from Melbourne tried to book a seat at his restaurant.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Poplawski said the man called on Tuesday afternoon requesting a table for one.
"For me, booking for one is a giveaway sign that they are not local," Mr Poplawski said.
"It more likely means they want to dine in because they are visiting. That's what I've learned over my years of experience."
Mr Poplawski said he had to explain state government guidelines to the man - that essential travellers from metropolitan Melbourne were not allowed to dine in or use personal services in regional Victoria.
"He was understanding and polite about it, but obviously he was not aware (of the rules)," Mr Poplawski said.
"Either he did not know, or he did not want to admit that he should be abiding by different restrictions.
"I told him that we would have to refuse his business."
READ MORE:
Mr Poplawski said it was "concerning" that some essential travellers were not aware of the rules.
"You would think if you were holding a valid work permit, you would require a process of being explained what the situation is, and what you are allowed to do," he said.
"Unless they all know, and they are just trying to sneak in.
"It is concerning - they may have valid reasons to be here, but that does not justify them being able to use these services."
Mr Poplawski said the incident, along with similar stories from other Wimmera businesses last week, was an important reminder to check where customers are from.
From Monday, businesses also face a $9,913 fine for not checking the residential address of a customer.
"We need to be aware and on the lookout," Mr Poplawski said.
"We are all doing the right thing. We want to keep our town safe, but it only takes one person unknowingly doing the wrong thing to undo all of that work."
Did you know you can receive updates straight to your inbox? To make sure you're up-to-date with news from across the region, sign up below.