Police expect to lay charges over alcohol and gaming breaches at Northern Rivers venues

Investigations are continuing after a police blitz on licencing and gaming infringements over the long weekend, with a number of businesses likely to face charges.

COMPLIANCE BLITZ: NSW Police have reported they made a number arrests regarding licencing and gaming infringements during a compliance inspection blitz over the Queens' Birthday long weekend, including some on the Northern Rivers.

Police have reported they made a number arrests regarding licencing and gaming infringements during a compliance inspection blitz over the Queens’ Birthday long weekend.

But police have yet to name the licenced premises involved, as they are still investigating each incident.

In the Northern Region, which includes the Richmond and Tweed Byron Police Districts, 21 people were arrested, with 31 charges laid for offences including assault, resist arrest, drive under the influence.

Known as Operation Pariac, of the 100 licensing breaches detected across New South Wales during inspections at more than 1000 licensed venues as part of a high-visibility operation, with 3.6 per cent occurring on the Northern Region.

Police said general duties officers were assisted by specialist licencing police to target alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour both inside and around licensed premises.

Operation Pariac Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Chad Gillies, said while patrons and licensees behaved sensibly over the long weekend, he is concerned about the complacency with Covid-compliance and required procedures which are still in place under the Public Health Orders.

Mr Gillies said officers conducted inspections to ensure venues and patrons were aware of their responsibilities to maintain a Covid-safe environment as restrictions continue to ease.

“We in NSW need to be conscious that the pandemic is not yet over, as such, we must maintain all relevant safety precautions, including social distancing, good hygiene and checking into venues using the NSW Health QR codes via the Service NSW app,” he said.

“If you do not have a smartphone, it is a requirement of all venues to have a manual check-in option.

“These details are required in the event of contact tracers needing to identify any persons who have been at a venue during a certain time period.”

Mr Gillies aid the onus was on patrons, licensees and staff members to ensure all procedures are followed so we can continue to live in a Covid-Safe way.

“Licensing police will be following up with those venues who are not abiding by the Liquor and Gaming Act to ensure travelling through Regional NSW is safe and enjoyable for all,” he said.

Operation Pariac Northern Region

●21 people arrested, with 31 charges were laid for offences including assault, resist arrest, drive under the influence

●388 business inspections were conducted

●14 Liquor and Gaming breaches infringements. Follow up inquiries are continuing.

●13 Covid-19 related beaches were identified

●356 – RBT conducted.