The Tarras Country Cafe has announced it will cease trading after today, due to the complications over staffing and vaccinations. 

The business won the Central Otago's People’s Choice cafe in 2020 Eat.Taste.Central awards. 

Emily Todd told The Central App she had been “slammed” with emails, messages and media over the decision. 

She and her husband Peter have owned the cafe for the last five years. 

“I had advertised for staff as I needed to replace five out of 10 of them and just couldn’t,” Emily says.

“I also was finding it very hard to have to tell some of my biggest supporters that they couldn’t come in anymore. 

“We are extremely sad and it’s totally gutting that I have to give up my business.”

Tarras Country Cafe announced its closure on social media earlier in the week. Photo: Tarras Country Cafe/Facebook. 

Emily says she has received some abuse for her decision, but the support has outweighed the negativity. 

“I have now been abused by some but the 100s of emails and phone calls of support are humbling,” she says. 

“I have loved running the tiny crazy busy wee cafe, I have made many many new friends.

“All my loyal Tarras community knew my stance, including my vaxxed staff, and they have supported me.

“I really hate all the attention, I’m not trying to make a big stand or force my opinions on anyone.

“I’ve just got to follow my heart and do what I believe is right for my staff and locals.

Central Otago District mayor Tim Cadogan had gone on the record in the media on the topic. 

“It’s sad the owners have felt they have needed to make this decision.”

It is not known if any other Central Otago businesses have announced closure over the restrictions and vaccination mandates. 

Mayor Tim says hospitality businesses have found it hard to find staff in the district because of border restrictions and has been made even more difficult due to the vaccine mandates. 

Emily and Peter Todd have decided to close the Tarras Country Cafe due to difficulties operating under Covid-19 restrictions and vaccination mandates. Photo: Tarras Country Cafe/Facebook. 

Infection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, can be reduced with vaccinations as it stops transmission chains. 

Pfizer vaccine research shows it can prevent about 70% of infections.

Booster shoots are being made available in New Zealand, as individual immunity wanes over time. 

People who are vaccinated can still contract Covid-19 but are likely to get milder symptoms as well as being less likely to pass on the infection. 

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