Despite NSW being on the verge of reporting no new cases of coronavirus, authorities have not slowed their pursuit of those breaching Public Health Orders, taking in more pubs including a double-hit for the Red Lion over a Laundy family birthday lunch.
The State of NSW recorded the lowest number in 50 days on Friday, reporting just one coronavirus infection. The stats stayed single-digit again Saturday, with nine locally acquired cases recorded, two of these via unknown sources, and just three new cases diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday night.
The weekend’s tally brings the total number of cases in NSW to 3,799.
A birthday lunch on 2 August for Craig Laundy’s 22-year-old son has attracted $10,000 in fines for COVID breaches.
It is suggested the gathering consisted of four bookings for 10 people, who according to an anonymous complaint were allegedly mingling and drinking on the upstairs balcony, in breach of the Public Health Order.
Police attended, finding all patrons seated as required, but Liquor & Gaming inspectors obtained CCTV footage and observed that guests had been greeting each other “with hugs and handshakes” and moving between tables, mingling, and drinking while not seated.
Inspectors returned 15 August and claim to have found other problems relating to spacing of furniture and a reportedly out-of-date safety plan.
On Friday the Lewisham Hotel was fined $5,000 for COVID breaches, and the Red Lion was issued two $5,000 fines, with department compliance director Dimitri Argeres suggesting the pub had skirted the rules by splitting the larger booking of 40 people who knew each other.
“When it comes to events like birthday parties and weddings, we’ve seen how quickly people are tempted to forget the rules and throw caution to the wind.
“We expect hoteliers to set exemplary standards, particularly when it comes to managing the heightened risk presented by groups mingling.”
Craig Laundy told the Daily Telegraph they accept the rules were broken and will “cop it on the chin”.
“This demonstrates how hard it is to get people to sit down and stay at their table,” he warned.
A total of 68 fines amounting to $304,000 have now been issued to NSW hospitality premises.
Victoria has been issuing fines mostly to individuals, handing out 161 penalties on Saturday, including 58 for curfew breaches, 13 at vehicle checkpoints and 24 to people failing to wear a mask or face covering.
Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello warns the situation is still real and authorities are not taking chances.
“If businesses decide to fall asleep during the pandemic we will prod them awake with a $5,000 fine.
“If they continue to breach, then we will shut them down.”
