Sydney restaurants fined over COVID safe plan breaches

Two Sydney restaurants have been slapped with $5,000 fines after failing to comply with basic COVID-safe requirements and sparking a blunt warning from auditors.

A COVID-19 compliance crackdown has left two Sydney restaurants $10,000 out of pocket.

Both Sushi Hon, at Eveleigh, and Pho Tonkin, in Sydney’s CBD, were slapped with $5000 fines each by Liquor and Gaming after auditors discovered the venues were not following correct protocols.

Sushi Hon was found to have no check-in system or COVID safety plan while Pho Tonkin did not use a QR code check-in, no safety plan and had a staff member serving customers without a mask.

The venues did not following the COVID-19 check in regulations. Picture: Monique Harmer

Liquor and Gaming Compliance Director Dimitri Argeres said if the regulations were not followed, the virus could spiral out of control.

“Recording patron details electronically through the Service NSW QR code is an absolutely fundamental COVID safety requirement,” he said

“An overwhelming number of venues have adapted to these rules and continue to operate busy and efficient businesses, so at this stage of the pandemic there is no excuse for not complying with the basic requirements.

“Our inspectors will continue to undertake both uniformed and plainclothes inspections, so if you’re breaking the rules you run a high risk of receiving a hefty fine.”

The fines come as the government cracks down on the correct use of Dine and Discover vouchers. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

The fines come as Fair Work staff complete a blitz targeting the use of Dine and Discover vouchers.

More than 13,500 businesses across the state have registered for the scheme while almost four million people have signed up to access the vouchers.

The program only lasts until the end of June and can be used at restaurants, cafes, bars, wineries, pubs and clubs.