Police warn Brisbane nightclub operators, patrons over social distancing fail

Police have taken aim at patrons flouting social distancing rules when attending nightclubs in Brisbane’s party districts, urging them to “do the right thing” or face fines. Nightclub operators have also been put on notice.

NIGHTCLUB patrons who flout social distancing rules may be fined as police launch a crackdown on Brisbane’s party districts.

Deputy Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said it was as much the responsibility of patrons as it was nightclub operators to “do the right thing”.

“What’s concerning but is that people going to nightclubs think somehow it’s not their problem,” he said.

“People need to do the right thing.”

Premier, we cannot be ‘all in this together’ until rule-breaking pubs and clubs are treated equally

Cops to speak to nightclub operators as revellers ignore social distancing

Patrons failing to comply with social distancing rules outside Prohibition nightclub on Friday night. Picture: John Gass

Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said police would pay close attention to the nightclub district in the coming weeks, following “pretty disappointing” attempts at social distancing.

“If you’re going to line up somewhere that’s crowded, don’t do it,” Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.

“If there’s a lot of people waiting in a line outside a nightclub, go somewhere else. Make that decision.

“Don’t just jump into the queue thinking it’s okay because everyone else is doing it, it’s not okay. Everyone has to take responsibility.”

The Courier-Mail today reported queues of hundreds gathering outside some of the region’s biggest nightclubs.

Under the Public Heath Act, a person must stand 1.5 metres away from members of another party where possible.

Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has put Brisbane nightclub operators and patrons on notice. Picture: Josh Woning

Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said businesses must make concerted efforts to ensure their patrons abide by this legislation, or could risk fines of up to $6675.

Asked whether individuals could be fined, he said it was something police will consider in their investigations.

“We will look at vision and determine whether there’s a need to take enforcement action,” he said.

“We will continue to monitor these areas and if there’s non compliance both by the licensed premises or the people attending, we will have to take action.”

Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said the Chief Health Officer will look at the public health risk based against the weekend’s behaviours to determine what happens next.