‘Pass the tongs’: Korean BBQ buffet cops $5k COVID fine

Inspectors have called on the public to dob in unsafe venues after 23 new venues were fined for COVID breaches. One of these includes a Korean-style buffet where diners shared cutlery and crockery. SEE WHICH VENUES COPPED FINES

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A Korean BBQ restaurant where diners shared cutlery and crockery at an open buffet has been hit with a $5000 fine as exasperated inspectors have appealed to the public to dob in unsafe venues.

When SafeWork inspectors visited the Butchers Buffet in Strathfield on September 11, they observed diners sharing plates, condiments, serving utensils, bowls and trays of food as well as utensils on tables.

The restaurant also had no safety marshal in place or stated limits on the maximum number of customers allowed at the premises.

Chairs and tables were also not adequately spaced, with CCTV footage showing patrons were not physically distancing when helping themselves at the buffet.

Patrons at Butchers Buffet in Strathfield were not physically distancing.

Calling on the public to report unsafe venues, SafeWork NSW Work Health and Safety Metro director Sarina Wise said the breaches “defied logic”.

“Self-serve buffets and pandemics simply don’t mix, creating a source of potentially contaminated items,” she said.

“No self-serve buffet style food service areas are allowed, including communal bar snacks and communal condiments.

“Sharing items on a buffet is clearly a direct line for COVID transmission. We’re calling on the public to hold businesses to account. If you visit a venue and find yourself back to back or shoulder to shoulder with other patrons, if you see poor hygiene or no sign-in processes, report it via the COVID safety feedback portal on nsw.gov.au.”

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A blitz by Liquor & Gaming NSW, SafeWork NSW and NSW Fair Trading last week resulted in 23 venues receiving fines for breaches ranging from inadequate spacing between gaming machines, having tables and chairs too close to together, not having a COVID-19 Safety Plan or being registered as “COVIDSafe”.

Diners were using the same utensils to serve food at the Korean buffet restaurant in Strathfield.

The diners were also sharing crockery and condiments.

Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello urged venues to make community safety a priority.

“While most venues are doing the right thing, there are some that think they’re above the rules,” he said.

“This is unacceptable and my message to them is simple — pick up your game or you’ll be fined. Community safety must come first.

“Inspectors are on the beat every day and they won’t hesitate to crack down on businesses breaking the rules.”

The fines are among 150 fines that have been issued to date, amounting to $658,000.

Any member of the public can comment on any NSW business and how it is managing COVID safety at nsw.gov.au/give-feedback-on-a-business