![OUR SAY: Threatening businesses with fines is a step too far OUR SAY: Threatening businesses with fines is a step too far](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/CXnecSe9En4WWrpX4sC8Fx/efa526a8-d3d6-4fd3-bda8-fa122f95d505.jpg/r605_1446_3900_3183_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Imagine this scenario.
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In a nightmare 2020, a pub owner first found their way through a really slow summer where bushfires kept visitors away, then managed to stay afloat by offering takeaway only during the coronavirus lockdown.
The limited reopening allowed in regional areas has finally allowed them to get some income again, but a staff member makes a mistake - they don't check the ID of a person who happens to be from Melbourne.
They get caught and the business cops a $10,000 fine, undoing much of the hard work to rebuild in recent months.
That really does not seem fair, but it is a possibly of what could happen under new rules announced in Victoria on Sunday.
We have to acknowledge that the worst-case scenario would be the person from Melbourne having coronavirus and spreading it to regional Victorians in that pub.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The requirement to check IDs, to ensure those allowed to be in the regions do not start mingling with the public, is a sensible move and one many businesses are doing themselves anyway.
But in the year we've had, the "stick" approach with threats of fines for already struggling businesses really seems like a step too far.
Some are only surviving because of grants handed out by the state government, they should not be asked to give that back if they slip up.
Speaking to The Border Mail, Business Wodonga chairman Graham Jenkin also made the fair point that businesses are under enough pressure with the regulations and "going one step further is going to put them at risk of more abuse".
The other rule change in place from Monday - wearing a fitted mask instead of face shields or scarves - is much easier to deal with for people.
Even since the grace period was announced a couple of weeks ago, there have been plenty in the North East still wearing the shield - including serving customers at supermarkets.
This rule is a matter of health, for yourself and for others, so individuals and businesses really need to follow the advice and make sure they are wearing a proper mask.