One of Brisbane’s biggest names in hospitality says he will follow Queensland’s vaccination mandate, despite initially indicating otherwise. 

The state’s vaccine mandate came into effect overnight, meaning only people who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, or those with an exemption, can enter a raft of hospitality and entertainment venues.

Coffee Commune owner Phillip Di Bella told Spencer Howson this morning “reasonable endeavours” are being taken to follow the new rules.

“The law states to use reasonable endeavours to make sure that you’re following the direction and that’s what we’re doing,” he said.

“I cannot physically stand there, neither can my staff, and check every single visitor that walks in this door.

“That’s not our job, that’s not our duty, and that’s not feasible.”

In comments which still exist online, Mr Di Bella previously claimed his business wouldn’t adhere to the mandate.

“It won’t be happening in my venue, I can assure you,” he said.

“The Coffee Commune will not discriminate. If you want to be vaccinated, you be vaccinated; if you don’t, you don’t.”

But Mr Di Bella today said his personal view on the matter hasn’t changed.

“What’s going to happen, Spencer, is this is going to go to court, someone’s going to get fined, off to court we go, whether it’s me or somebody else, and let the courts decide.”

Press PLAY below to hear what measures the business is (and is not) taking