A pub in Bourke is the latest to be issued with five-figure fines for breaching COVID restrictions, as another is closed for a week by Liquor & Gaming.
Following a police operation in the state’s north-west in early October, Western Region Licensing Police allege a hotel on Bourke’s Mitchell Street and its licensee breached the Public Health Orders.
Police attended the pub on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October, returning the following Friday to issue two $5k infringement notices for ‘Fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 – Corporation’.
Superintendent Andrew Hurst of Central North Police District command stressed officers will continue to ensure people are adhering to the Public Health Orders.
“It is the responsibility of everyone in this state to follow the rules and keep our community safe from the COVID virus.
“My officers will continue to monitor compliance within the command; anyone who needs information about the current Public Health Orders should visit the NSW Health website.”
Meanwhile, Ballina’s Shaws Bay Hotel has been ordered closed for seven days after being hit with $14k in fines and referred to the Liquor & Gaming Commission, earlier this month.
Police say 12 breaches were identified during two inspections at the pub on 27 September and 4 October, including no COVID safety marshal enforcing the pub’s safety plan, groups of more than 10 people, lack of physical distancing, dancing, and people drinking while standing.
The mandatory seven-day closure will be in force until 5am Saturday, 24 October.
“The Shaws Bay Hotel had ample warning to tighten up their game, given they were visited and fined twice,” offered Dimitri Argeres, Liquor & Gaming director of compliance.
“It is clear the ongoing operation of the premises could endanger public health, particularly given a potential increase in patronage over the weekend around the Northern Rivers Rugby League grand final.”
Shaws Bay is the third NSW venue to cop a week closed, joining the Rozelle’s Unity Hall Hotel in early September and Thredbo’s Rivers Inn restaurant later that month.
Inspectors from Liquor & Gaming, NSW Fair Trading and SafeWork NSW report that in the past two weeks they have encountered almost 100 per cent compliance throughout inspections at 311 hospitality venues.
