'Common sense': Controversial golf toilet ban canned after backlash
The Victorian Government has reversed its decision to ban entry to indoor toilets at golf and tennis courts after severe backlash.
Earlier in the week, the Victorian government lifted a ban on recreational golf and tennis, a move welcomed by tens of thousands in the state.
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However restrictive guidelines put in place have banned access to all indoor areas of clubs, including toilets.
This prompted swift backlash after patrons questioned where they would go to the toilet.
However, on Sunday, the state government reversed its decision to allow patrons to use toilets indoors and outdoors, according to The Age.
Patrons will have to sign in with a QR code and facilities will need to be cleaned twice a day.
Gold and tennis fans rejoiced at the news, which was hailed as 'common sense prevailing'.
Government has overturned the toilet ban at Melb golf courses according to @theage Common sense prevails.
— Golf Australia ⛳️ (@GolfAust) October 3, 2021
Health Department press release quoted in @theage says the change regarding toilets will come into effect on Tuesday. 'Toilet facilities can open while also keeping personal contact and authorised worker presence at outdoor recreation facilities to a hard minimum.'
— Golf Australia ⛳️ (@GolfAust) October 3, 2021
Toilet ban overturned! Battle of Gettysburg, Battle of Britain and now the famous Battle of Toiletgate is right up there. We won.#toiletgate pic.twitter.com/vVscELqQzg
— Andrew Kirby (@AndrewKirbyGolf) October 3, 2021
So, golf was super dangerous & banned when we had 15 cases a day but it’s allowed now that we have more than 1,200 cases a day. And toilets were banned earlier in the week but now they’re safe. Evidence based decision making in the lockdown capital! https://t.co/1GVZMlZliH
— Rita Panahi (@RitaPanahi) October 3, 2021
It’s now safe to use public toilets in Victoria at sports clubs.
Dan Andrews has overturned one of the most nonsensical rules put in place, it’s no longer dangerous to have a number 1 or 2.
The Science.— Mark (@tigertuffmark) October 3, 2021
Victorian government's backlash over golf toilet ban
Reacting to the toilet ban on 3AW radio earlier in the week, Royal Melbourne Golf Club captain Andrew Kirby said it was a “joke” and a “breach of human rights”.
“I know the blokes can do a number one in the trees, but there are lots of women playing,” he said.
“We’ve been through this opening and closing and opening again so many times that you’d think they’d get it a little more down pat.
"To be honest, I think the problem I see is too much micro-regulation of it."
“Maybe there’s been a miscommunication or something has been misconstrued but we have staff there, we have lots of women playing, we have people with medical conditions – they need to use the toilets.
“It’s just a bit disappointing after the excitement of opening yesterday.”
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