Daniel Andrews Faces Growing Backlash as Melbourne Venues Blacklist Former Premier

Daniel Andrews Faces Growing Backlash as Melbourne Venues Blacklist Former Premier

Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, once one of the most powerful figures in Australian politics, is now facing a significant backlash as his life in Melbourne takes an unexpected and harsh turn. The once-popular leader, who oversaw the state's strict Covid-19 lockdowns, is increasingly finding himself unwelcome in the city's hospitality scene, with a growing list of venues banning him from dining out.

The most recent snub comes from former AFL star Paul Dimattina, who owns Lamaro's Hotel in South Melbourne, one of the city’s well-known pubs. Dimattina, a vocal critic of Andrews’ Covid policies, made it clear that there was "no chance in hell" that the ex-premier would be served at his pub. He described Andrews as "easily the most hated person" in Victoria, citing the damage done to small businesses, the mental health crisis, and the disruption caused by the lengthy lockdowns. Dimattina emphasized that Andrews' policies, particularly his approach to hospitality, had "crippled" the industry, with once-thriving venues now boarded up and struggling to recover.

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This latest development is part of a wider pattern of rejection Andrews has faced from Melbourne's hospitality community. Numerous restaurant owners have reportedly refused to serve him and his wife, Cath, especially during the height of the pandemic. Chris Lucas, the owner of popular eateries like Grill Americano and Chin Chin, also declined service to Andrews, reportedly turning down a booking for his wife at one of his restaurants. Lucas, along with other industry figures, has been outspoken about how Andrews’ harsh lockdown measures devastated the hospitality sector, leaving many businesses struggling to survive and many workers devastated. Lucas' comments underscore the frustration felt by many, as he described the two-year lockdown as "trauma" for Melbourne's dining industry.

The public resentment towards Andrews has grown since his resignation as Premier in late 2023. Many Victorians blame him for the harshest lockdowns in the world, which left them financially crippled and emotionally drained. To add fuel to the fire, Andrews now holds a high-paying job at Orygen, a mental health organization, despite the fact that many believe his Covid measures only worsened the state’s mental health crisis.

The backlash has extended beyond restaurants. Andrews' membership application at the prestigious National Golf Club in Melbourne was blocked by over 100 members who expressed strong opposition to him joining. His interest in joining Portsea Golf Club was also reportedly met with similar rejection, showcasing the depth of animosity many feel toward him in the community.

As the list of bans continues to grow, it seems clear that Andrews’ political legacy is becoming increasingly defined by the deep scars left by his leadership during the pandemic. The anger and frustration of business owners, restaurant workers, and everyday Victorians are still palpable. For Andrews, the once-celebrated figure now finds himself alienated in his own city, with no easy way to mend the rift his policies have caused.

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