The George is in the hot seat and facing massive fines and loss of licence over a private New Year’s Eve event hosting hundreds of people during COVID restrictions.
New public health orders came into effect in WA on 23 December, temporarily banning nightclubs and allowing dancing only at weddings. This would have limited effect on Perth’s The George, which had announced on social media it would be closed from Christmas Day until 11 January.
Around 10pm police first attended the venue in response to a noise complaint. Finding the front doors locked, they were able to gain access via a side laneway, where they found approximately 300 party-goers, at a private, ticketed event.
The operators were given a warning about non-compliance with COVID restrictions, and the officers left.
A second noise complaint drew them back, around 11pm, where they found black curtains over the windows and glass doors. Officers repeatedly called to be let in, but provided no response they managed to gain access again by scaling a locked gate.
They will allege “several hundred” people were present, flouting mask-wearing rules and dancing, with evidence SafeWA QR code posters had been ripped off the walls, found crumpled behind the bar and in the bin.
Police Commissioner Chris Dawson announced the launch of a major investigation, slamming the venue for “blatant disregard” of COVID restrictions. Senior Constable Ray Lee described the incident as “deliberate wilful offending”.
The George’s operators face fines of up to $250,000 and potential loss of the liquor licence, held by Jashan Tavern P/L.
Police Minister Paul Papalia described the incident as “an incredibly serious offence”.
“I understand a full investigation is underway and I would expect that the Director of Liquor Licensing and Police Commissioner assess the licensee to determine whether they should lose their licence.”
Over 92 per cent of Western Australians have now received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination, and at the turn of the year the state was reporting 35 active confirmed cases, while greater Australia saw infection rates breaking records, surpassing $35k.
The Minister was highly critical of the perpetrators, in light of the sacrifices made by so many others for the sake of the community.
“And these people appear to have just flaunted everything. It’s disgraceful, irresponsible, selfish and dangerous.”
The venue’s owner and licensee, 41-year-old Vinod Parihar, initially denied knowing about the party, which was said to have been organised by one of the managers, 25-year-old Farooq Latief.
But at a preliminary hearing last week, police revealed that both men were present at the New Year’s Eve event. Both Parihar and Latief have now been charged, and police suggest they may be seeking a jail term for Parihar.
The bar itself has been charged as a corporate entity.
Parihar has already stated plans to dispute the charges, on the basis he was not the organiser and had provided the venue to Latief for a “small birthday party” that escalated out of control when many more people turned up than were expected.
Magistrate Matthew Holgate set bail for the two men, under condition they surrender their passports and do not leave WA.
They will face court again in late February.