Greater Sydney Lockdown Business Conditions
As outlined on Saturday, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced new restrictions for Businesses in Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour. These restrictions came into effect from 11.59 pm 17 July 2021 and last until 11.59 pm on Friday, 30 July.
Where similar restrictions have been introduced in other states, the impact on car wash businesses has become more apparent in the days following the announcement. However, the circumstances for car washing in NSW remain unclear.
At this time, ACWA does not believe it is in the industry’s best interest to seek formal clarification from the NSW Government. Our experience in dealing with other state governments, notably Victoria, suggests that formalising enquiries may remove options for car wash businesses intending to operate in any “grey area” created by confusing regulations.
Operators should also note the information provided in this email should not be construed as permission to operate; however, ACWA points out the following:
- ACWA has been unable to locate any regulation that explicitly calls on car washing to close.
- The Authorised Worker List published on the NSW COVID website here https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/authorised-workers#transport-postal-and-warehousing allows workers to attend a worksite that provide “vehicle repairs and critical maintenance, including disinfection” services.
- Petrol stations may remain open; therefore, car wash services at petrol stations, in particular, appear exempt from closure.