The general manager at the Coolangatta Surf Club says they held workshops for staff in the lead-up to today’s vaccine deadline to help diffuse difficult situations.

New COVID-19 measures for hospitality venues came into effect today meaning unvaccinated customers can no longer attend pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants.

By 10am this morning police had already been called to eight venues in relation to the new rules.

The venue’s general manager Steve Edgar said they were anxious in the lead-up but it had been “so far, so good”.

“Relatively smoothly so far, I must say I had a fair bit of anxiety leading into today, we have had a couple of people we’ve had to turn away and one of those was a little bit rude,” he told Scott Emerson.

“Most people have been very, very good, so we are very pleased with that.”

He said they had some workshops with staff in the lead-up to the vaccine mandate.

They also debated about adding security.

Press PLAY to hear more about their wrap-up after day one

How Brisbane is reacting on the first day of the vaccination mandate