Council officers visit Launceston business after reports it was ignoring Government coronavirus restrictions
A Tasmanian cafe has reportedly ignored Federal Government coronavirus restrictions against serving diners at tables.
Tasmania
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COUNCIL officers have paid a visit to a Launceston business that was reportedly ignoring Government coronavirus restrictions on cafes and restaurants.
The kiosk at the Gorge Restaurant continued to serve patrons at tables on Thursday and Friday, despite clear and widespread messaging that all restaurants and cafes should serve only takeaway to combat the spread of the deadly disease.
The Mercury was contacted by a concerned reader who said she had seen diners served by staff at outdoor tables at the kiosk section of the Gorge Restaurant numerous times on Thursday and Friday this week.
“I can’t understand why the Gorge Restaurant is serving customers at tables as I witnessed today,” she said.
“Several times the lady from behind the counter took orders and brought them to tables. “Different rules for the Gorge? Why can’t cafes at Seaport simply bring food out to people sitting on their outside chairs, not to mention cafes in the CBD.”
Images were provided by members of the public on Thursday and Friday showing groups of customers eating and drinking at tables.
Launceston City Council CEO Michael Stretton said council officers visited the business and the matter was “addressed immediately”.
“It’s appropriate to remind businesses of their obligations in regards to the Federal Government’s social distancing provisions,” he said.
“Anyone who does witness a breach of those provisions should contact Tasmania Police, as they are the legislative authority for these matters.”
The Mercury contacted the business on Friday afternoon and was told the owners were unaware patrons were still being served at tables and the manager would be contacted and told to stop.
Originally published as Council officers visit Launceston business after reports it was ignoring Government coronavirus restrictions
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