Tamworth Powerhouse Hotel: staff wear 'be kind' shirts as a reminder to lead with empathy as businesses adjust to new COVID-19 rules

As Tamworth emerges from restrictions and the public are handed more freedoms, there's an unease in the business community about how to turn away those who aren't double-vaxxed.

Under the new rules, the onus to manage vaccine passports and belligerent clientele largely falls on the shoulders of business owners and front-of-house staff.

So, staff at The Powerhouse Hotel have fashioned a new way to share kindness as a subtle reminder during mental health month.

All general manager Daine Cooper asks is that people who come into the business understand that the new COVID rules aren't personal, they protect the community.

"It's difficult for everyone with the uncertainty, as the shirts say, 'be kind', act as you would like to be treated - we don't make the rules we're trying to do the right thing," he said.

"It is going to be tough, because prior to this I feel a lot of the rules and regulations and 'freedom day' are centralised around metropolitan Sydney - it's great to see they are getting back to business but for the regions it could actually do the opposite."

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The region's vaccination rates sat at 60 per cent on Friday, Tamworth records 10 new COVID-19 cases, two more in Gunnedah and even the pool until they have had their second dose.

Tamworth Business Chamber executive officer Bryan O'Connor said there had been a lot of confusion at the weekend about the incoming restrictions.

"Small operators don't have somebody at the door like they do at say Wests, who might be able to stop them and ask questions - they are relying on the public to prove their vaccination status," he said.

"That will put stress on them if they have people who have not been vaccinated who ask to be served.

"Businesses have to operate, this is their opportunity to get the cash registers ringing again so show respect to your fellow human being.

"That's really all it comes down to, respect people who are providing a service to you and get vaccinated; we don't just want 'freedom day' we want freedom forever."

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