Bendigo shoppers and diners can give themselves a pat on the back this Christmas, as local business owners congratulate them on their exemplary behaviour as restrictions continue to ease across the state.
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A joint Australian National University and University of Sydney study on the effect of the pandemic on customer relations in the retail and hospitality sector found more than half of workers felt increased customer abuse throughout the pandemic.
However, Bendigo business owners are relishing in the local community, who - by and large - have been adhering to the regulations, respecting staff and supporting businesses.
Shamrock Hotel owner Ray Sharawara said when restrictions began easing in early November, things looked a little different.
"When we only had 80 per cent vaccination rates and we started opening up, we had a bit of huff and puff around vaccines and QR codes," he said.
But, the Hotel owner said recently people have just been happy to be out and about.
"We really haven't had any dramatic incidents recently, we're all concentrating on running our own businesses."
"Prior to (restrictions easing) all of us business owners were talking everyday about how we can stay afloat."
Owner of Puggs and Metro bars in Bendigo Andrew Lethlean echoed Mr Sharawara's sentiments.
"Honestly, the whole community has been really receptive recently," he said.
"There's always the odd one out but people have got really used to it all now I think."
As the festive season kicks into gear, Federal MP Lisa Chesters is urging residents to keep up the attitudes.
"Nobody deserves a serve," she said.
"It's been a tough year for our retail and hospitality workers, and this Christmas let's remember that it's not their fault if they have to check that you've checked in or if you're vaccinated".
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