Pink posters displaying the words “Unlock Hospitality” cannot be put in windows of businesses at government-owned tourist attraction Federation Square, due to the fact that it may cause public confusion, says the Federation Square management team. 

The purpose behind the pink posters is to encourage the Andrews government to reopen hospitality businesses quicker than initially planned. Hundreds of businesses across Melbourne have started displaying the posters in their windows. However, Federation Square bar Transit and restaurant Taxi Kitchen have been informed that they can’t participate in the Unlock Hospitality campaign. When asked about the reasoning behind banning the posters, Federation Square chief executive Xavier Csar said in a statement “We have communicated important messages about COVID safety throughout the pandemic and we have asked our partners to not post messages that may confuse visitors and passers-by.

“We are working with our food and beverage partners to support them in reopening in line with Victoria’s road map, including pursuing ways for them to make the most of Fed Square’s open spaces for outdoor dining.”

Restaurant owner and Unlock Hospitality campaigner Paul Dimattina said there was “no confusion” about the “#ITSTIME” movement, saying the hospitality industry is ready to open and “the state government is being ignorant of our voices and the community.”

Mr Dimattina said the business owners at Federation Square didn’t want to speak out about the poster ban in fear that they could face punishment by centre management.

Rent relief has been provided to all Federation Square tenants during the pandemic. 

The current road map states that Melbourne restaurants will be able to open for outdoor service from 19 October, subject to density limits and a limit of 10 people per group, however this will only come into play if Melbourne has less than five cases per day for 14 days in a row from this Tuesday.