Solotel has faced the whirlwind after images emerged yesterday of a line of more than 100 people in a queue outside the Golden Sheaf in Double Bay on Wednesday night, seemingly defying public health advice on social distancing.
NSW Police confirmed in a statement officers were called to the venue about 9pm, liaising with the manager and “assisting security with restricting the number of people in the line”. The remainder were moved on from outside the pub.
After a walk-through of the premises, the police deemed the Sheaf had the appropriate COVID-19 restrictions in place, and a fine was not issued at the time.
Liquor & Gaming NSW announced it was investigating claims there were up to 250 people in the queue and had contacted management.
Acting Director of Compliance Operations Dimitri Argeres warns operators the regulator is conducting both overt and covert inspections to check COVID restrictions compliance and that hotels must have a COVID-safe plan.
Current COVID-19 restrictions in NSW still dictate four square metres per customer, and that venues keep names and contact details of the staff, customers and contractors present each day for at least 28 days, to enable contact tracing if later required.
Failure to comply with public health orders can see individuals face fines up to $11,000, and businesses up to $55,000, with a further $27,500 for each subsequent day the offence continues.
Wednesdays have long been popular with students at the Golden Sheaf, but Solotel has stated the group has not been offering social media drink promotions since the start of the crisis and shutdowns.
CEO Justine Baker explained that strict social distancing and COVID hygiene and safety procedures are being practised at all Solotel venues, as per NSW Health Guidelines, and all staff go through mandatory induction into the new COVID hygiene practices.
“We take the safety of our guests and staff very seriously, which is why we will now be taking bookings only on Wednesday nights from 8pm and we will be employing extra staff and security to ensure social distancing is adhered to and we have a maximum of 20 people in our queues at any one time.”
Both management and security staff are employed to constantly monitor queues, and Baker says they continue to work with authorities and patrons for everyone’s sake.
“It is the collective responsibility of all staff, guests, operators and authorities to ensure the safety of each other.”
Late today news emerged the Golden Sheaf had been issued a fine of $5,500 for breaching the public health safety rules. The group issued a brief statement on its website offering “We understand why and accept the fine” from Liquor & Gaming.
