The National Retail Association (NRA) has suggested to the Victorian government that retailers with 100% vaccinated staff should be able to open earlier than the November 05 date set in the roadmap.
While the organisation recognises the need for a staged reopening in the state that has been plagued by extended lockdowns, Lamb said retailers who have 100% vaxxed staff should be able to open earlier.
"We accept the need to stage the reopening, but we see an opportunity to drive vaccine take-up and reward those businesses whose staff have done the right thing.
“So rather than holding back all retail until we reach 80 per cent of the population, we encourage the government to grant an exemption to businesses who can prove that all staff have had both doses.
"This will help bring businesses back to normal operation in a staged manner, with priority for those who are most ready to safely resume operations," she said.
Lamb also called for the Victorian Government to allow people to remove masks in shopping centre food courts and fast-food centres, saying the current ban on indoor eating would effectively stop people from buying.
"If you are required to go outside to eat when you buy a sandwich or burger from a shopping centre retailer, you simply aren’t going to bother making the purchase," Lamb suggested.
"This rule will effectively cripple fast food and takeaway businesses in shopping centres.
"They will be paying full rent and wages, but will have a significantly reduced customer base.
"It’s commonly accepted in other states and places – including on aircraft and at tightly-packed sporting events – that removing masks to eat is a reasonable action with manageable risk associated.
"We accept the need for the staged easing of restrictions, and we welcome the opportunity to share the views of retailers with the Government.
"We would now like to see the roadmap tweaked a little in response to that feedback," she said.
In the Victorian Government's roadmap out of lockdown, the state is set to reach 80% double dosed on or around November 05, which is when retail is allowed to fully reopen.
Victorian citizens and business have endured more than 200 days in lockdown in 2020 and 2021.