HOW STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS EFFECT RETAIL AND BOATING

Can your retail business stay open?

Whether your business can legally stay open under Stage 3 restrictions is directed by a legal notice issued by Victoria's Chief Health Officer under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2006.

Almost all of our member retail businesses would be categorised as 'Open Retail' businesses under the latest notice called the Non-Essential Activities notice.
 
Section 14 of the Non-essential Activities notice deals with most BIAV member retail premises and, for example, if Chandlery's aren't on the list at the start of the notice, then they are not restricted and therefore fall under the Open Retail category and are not restricted from trading.
 
See the Non-Essential Activities notice here.
  
Any member staying open should note that there are "density, signage and cleaning" provisions in place under section 14  which means you must know how many customers are allowed on your show room/buildings at any one time, what signs you must place and where, and how often (and with what) you must clean your premises.
 
This notice is in effect until midnight April 13th. 

Can a customer leave their home to come to an open retail business?

If your business is categorised as an Open Retail business under the notice above, the answer is YES. There is also a directions notice issued by the Chief Health Officer called the Stay at Home Directions.
 
Section 6 of the stay at home directions notice lists the reasons customers are allowed to leave their homes. One of those reasons is to obtain necessary goods or services from a retail business not prohibited from operating, i.e. an open retail business.
 
The part that specifically describes this is section 6, subsection 1(c)(viii).
 
See the Stay at Home Directions Notice here. BIAV will update you on any changes.

What do Stage 3 Restrictions mean for going boating?

The Prime Minister and Victorian Premier have advised under State of Emergency provisions the things for which you can now leave the house:
Essential shopping, work, medical appointments and personal exercise.

Sadly, we’ve been advised by the relevant authorities that going recreational boating does not meet these requirements. It is deemed non-essential and should not be done.

  • To see Marine Safety Victoria’s position, click here.

  • To see Better Boating Victoria (State government's) position, click here.

  • To follow up-to-date information on boating facilities for when things change for the better, go to the Boating Victoria website by clicking here.

Meanwhile please encourage your customers, friends, colleagues and yourself to follow this list of things to do whilst you can’t go boating –

  • Dream about your next boat

  • Plan the purchase of your next boat

  • Plan your next boating getaway

  • Think about going to your favourite boating destination

  • Do a safety check on your own boat and equipment

  • Wash and clean your boat, again!

  • Call your favourite boat dealership and see what’s happening – what deals are going?