A supermarket in Victoria, IGA Broadford, will check customer IDs before allowing entrance into the store, in a desperate attempt to prevent coronavirus panic buying from people who don’t live in the area.
IGA Broadford has pinned a notice at its store entrance advising customers of its new “strict conditions” for entry, limited to residents in neighbouring localities.
“Dear customers, from this point on we have no other choice but to enforce very strict conditions for entry into our store,” the sign reads.
The areas include: Reedy Creek, Strath Creek, Sunday Creek, Tyaak, Pyalong, Glenaroua, Sugarloaf Creek, Clonbinane and Waterford Park.
It comes as nationwide panic buying over the virus has led to customers walking out of supermarkets empty-handed, with items such as toilet paper, hand sanitiser and pasta wiped off shelves.
Local stores in Seymour and Kilmore have also followed suit with the new entrance requirement.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews have both slammed the supermarket frenzy, pleading with Australians to stop hoarding supplies.
Mr Andrews assured Victorians care packages would be available to those who find themselves unable to leave the house and need urgent supplies.
“Stop doing it. It’s causing distress, it is not right,” Mr Andrews said.
“We will get a care package to you with the basics if you find yourself unable to leave home and you don’t have what you need.
“There are ample supplies of food, there are ample supplies of the basics.”
