Government inspectors continue to monitor COVID compliance in NSW venues, as Sydney’s Lord Wolseley and Bathurst’s Oxford receive over $10k in fresh fines.
The Lord Wolseley Hotel in Ultimo is a classic corner family-run pub known for its leafy outlook and Sunday Jazz.
An inspection by Liquor & Gaming NSW on 10 September found the venue didn’t have the approved COVID-19 safety plan (specified for pubs, clubs, small bars, breweries, casinos), was not properly registered as a COVID-safe business, and also wasn’t properly recording the entry times of patrons on sign-in sheets.
On 26 October the Hotel’s representative (defendant) elected to have the matter heard by a court – but subsequently failed to appear in court on two occasions.
Last week Lord Wolseley was fined $5,000 for the multiple COVID-safe breaches, plus an additional $2,400 for missing the court appearances.
Last week also brought penalty for the Oxford, aka Ox Hotel, in Bathurst, which similarly received a $5,000 fine, reportedly for failing to comply with the NSW Government’s Public Health Orders relating to COVID-19.
L&G details on its website that inspectors from Liquor & Gaming NSW, NSW Fair Trading and SafeWork NSW have conducted 9,783 COVID safety visits across the state (to date).
The inspections have resulting in 330 penalties worth a total of $1.305 million, and temporarily closed four businesses.
L&G director of compliance, Dimitri Argeres, warns venues to continue to stick to the rules.
“NSW has done exceptionally well in keeping community transmission down and hospitality venues reap the rewards when restrictions are eased,” he said.
“What has not changed, is having robust, digital check-in processes that allow for effective contact tracing … and a clear COVID Safety Plan.”
