Retail Minister Damien English agrees to meet CSNA

The Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association seeks to have convenience sector heard. Minister Damien English agrees to meet affected businesses

The Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association has reported that the deferral of opening indoor dining will directly affect over 400 CSNA members in the convenience and service station segment.

Speaking on the deferral Vincent Jennings, CSNA CEO commented that “CSNA have no wish to become embroiled in arguments on whether the delay is or is not warranted. Our concern relates to ensuring that our interests are heard, as the representatives of Hospitality (restaurants, vintners and hotels) have different business models and are perhaps viewed as problematic due to the consumption of alcohol served on their premises”.

Vincent continued by stating that “Our concerns are based on the fact that dwell-times in our seated areas are significantly different to the average time spent in hospitality outlets. We do not want to have potentially problematic administrative requirements such as demanding vaccination certificates from our customers, particularly in light of our experience of policing face coverings.”

Vincent noted that “CSNA and our members will obviously accede to all Public Health directions but need to ensure that the difference between indoor seating in outlets that do not serve alcohol and those that do are fully appreciated and properly accommodated”.

After representation from CSNA it has been confirmed that Minister Damien English has agreed to meet with the affected businesses.