37 businesses caught breaching COVID marshal rules in first three days of operation
COVID marshals were introduced at businesses on Friday to ensure customers follow restrictions. But in almost 40 cases, the marshal operation was itself non-compliant with the rules.
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Almost 40 businesses have been caught breaching their COVID marshal obligations in the first three days since the introduction of the role.
Police conducted 638 business compliance checks between Friday morning and Sunday night and found 37 to be non-compliant in relation to their marshal requirements.
None were fined. Police instead opted to educate business owners about their obligations.
However, businesses could be fined $5000 for repeated non-compliance.
Common breaches over the first three-day period included:
– Not having any staff complete the marshal course.
– Marshals being unable to control patrons or not being in position to monitor them.
– Businesses not being aware of their marshal obligations.
– Not having easily-identifiable marshals.
– Businesses letting a marshal finish work before another marshal was present.
One person was sprung wearing a toy marshal badge and was swiftly informed by police that this was not a suitable means of identifying as a marshal.
Meanwhile, police have now enlisted council officers to help with compliance checks.
Local Government Association chief executive officer Matt Pinnegar confirmed SA Police had “requested support from councils to ensure COVID Marshals are in place where required”.
“Council officers may check that a COVID Marshal is present as part of their regular duties, or they may respond to community reports or complaints,” he said.
It comes as Police Commissioner Grant Stevens urges more people to complete the marshal course amid concerns some businesses are not fully embracing the initiative.
While Mr Stevens said it was “encouraging” that more than 63,000 had completed the training, “there appears a genuine lack of knowledge or understanding of how this obligation applies”.
“Can I impress upon all business owners who have not yet been online to have staff or volunteers get online and do the COVID marshal course – It is not onerous and does not take long to complete – then ensure COVID marshals are onsite when patrons/ shoppers are present,” he said.
“This is about diminishing the risk of a second wave of COVID-19 in our community and it is about reducing the need to go back to harsher restrictions.
“Everyone needs to play their part in tackling this deadly disease.”
Police have released a new infographic on their website and social media platforms, as well as on the SA Government website, in an effort to help people better understand which businesses and organisations require a marshal.
As of last Friday, licensed venues, cafes, supermarkets, hardware stores, gyms, sporting clubs and churches are among those that must have a marshal on duty when open.
Marshals are responsible for monitoring venue capacity, physical distancing, infection control and hygiene rules.
Business SA chief executive officer Martin Haese said South Australian businesses “cannot afford a backwards step” in the fight against COVID-19.
“Business SA urges businesses on the list to do the COVID Marshal training, educate themselves and their staff to help stop the spread of this deadly virus in South Australia,” he said.