The Caledonian Hotel Singleton closed by police after welcoming unvaccinated guests

A NSW pub which spruiks itself as the “Freedom Hotel” has been ordered to close by police after alleged repeated, brazen Covid-19 breaches.

A pub in the NSW Hunter Valley has been closed by police after “repeated and continued” Covid breaches.

The Caledonian Hotel Singleton – which describes itself as the “Freedom Hotel” – has made a name for itself after continually defying public health orders introduced to manage the pandemic and protect the public.

In a statement from Commissioner Mick Fuller this weekend, he revealed the pub, located on George St in the Hunter Valley, would be forced to close from Saturday until midnight on Tuesday, October 19.

Commissioner Fuller said the pub had welcomed in unvaccinated patrons, despite pubs being currently off-limits for the unvaxxed, and said the pub had been ordered to close due to “alleged repeated breaches of the public health orders”.

Police have shut down the Caledonian Hotel Singleton in the NSW Hunter Valley after repeated Covid rule breaches. Picture: Twitter

“The closure order follows a number of previous interactions with the licensee – a 57-year-old man – due to repeated and continued breaches of the Public Health Order by allegedly allowing – and not taking steps to prevent – unvaccinated people being at the premises,” he said.

“Police have attended the venue numerous times in the past week and issued the licensee three PINs (Penalty Infringement Notices) and staff members three PINs for breaching the public health orders.”

Despite the shutdown, the pub shared a defiant message on its public Facebook page on Saturday night.

“Are we enjoying the show people......The Cali or as referred to now by many as the FREEDOM HOTEL stands with the millions standing up for Freedom,” the post reads.

“Freedom of Choice. Freedom of Movement. Freedom of Speech. Freedom to Work. Freedom to Provide. Freedom to Travel. Freedom of Expression. And every other freedom we were born with which are our god given rights.

“The Cali never has and never will support segregation or discrimination. The Cali will always forever and a day welcome all. United We Stand and FREE AUSTRALIA.”

The pub has remained defiant. Picture: Twitter

While the post attracted plenty of support, many also criticised the pub’s stance.

“And freedom to share Covid to others and risk there (sic) health and wellbeing! That’s all that matters hey, your rights not at all for the common good,” one Facebook user posted, while another added: “And the freedom to never set foot in your establishment. I hope they permanently close you down. Disgraceful conduct in middle of a bloody pandemic.”

Licensee Brad Hill told The Newcastle News he had expected the crackdown and accused police of “hounding” him.

He also described October 11 – the date vaccinated NSW residents emerged from lockdown after the state hit the 70 per cent double vaccination target – as “segregation day” as the freedoms did not apply to the unvaccinated.

“We’ve had that much support Australia wide, even as far as Tasmania, it’s unbelievable,” he told the publication.

“We’ve been out of lockdown three weeks prior (to October 11) before ‘segregation day’ was upon us, so we’ve been operating as usual, always doing take away meals.

“If people are happy to sit at home with a mask locked up, it’s up to them, but we’re pro-choice, freedom of choice, freedom of movement, the basic freedoms are taken away.

“If anyone can’t see that it’s too late for them.”

News.com.au has contacted the Caledonian Hotel Singleton for comment.

Originally published as The Caledonian Hotel Singleton closed by police after welcoming unvaccinated guests