A Dean Street eatery is warning off Sydneysiders from dining in, though National Basketball League players from the Harbour City ate out in Albury on Saturday night.
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Hapi dumpling bar has placed a sign on its front door that reads: "Unfortunately, if you have been to SYDNEY (sic) in the past 14 days, we cannot allow you to dine with us at this time. This is supported by the NSW health authority."
Team leader Sam Mackinnon said boss Matt Carrington "prided himself" on keeping his young staff safe and that had motivated the message which was put up as the outbreak on Sydney's northern beaches unfolded last weekend.
"It is making people a lot more aware of the situation and we're asking people when they enter the store if they've been in Sydney for the last 14 days, just to be really direct with customers," she said.
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Ms Mackinnon said travellers from southern Sydney had been affected by the ban when they came to the restaurant.
Albury Northside Chamber of Commerce deputy chair Barry Young was unaware of any other traders having similar signs, but he supported the move.
"I think businesses need to be on top of their COVID-safety plans now and that extra measure is not a bad thing," he said.
Public House owner Jodie Tiernan said her Dean Street hotel was off-limits to anyone from Sydney, given its coronavirus hotspot status.
She turned down an inquiry for Sydney NBL players to dine on Sunday night, because she was fully booked.
However, Ms Tiernan added she would have to know if that was permissible under COVID guidelines.
Sydney Kings players did have a meal at The Bended Elbow hotel on Saturday night, with a photo of the players at their tables tweeted with the caption "Greetings from Albury".
Bended Elbow owner Gavin Grant was not directly involved in the booking, but said it came through Quest apartments, which is accommodating the team.
Names and addresses of players were supplied for contact tracing.
The NBL said the Kings and Illawarra Hawks, who have temporarily relocated to the Border for preseason training, needed to meet tough rules in mixing with the community.
"All players and staff are required to follow the NBL's strict COVID protocols," a spokesperson said.
"These include strict limits on their movement and interaction with the local community as they prepare for the upcoming season."
The Kings players were in a roped off section, but still in the same dining area as other patrons, while they ate at The Bended Elbow.
