Coronavirus, Illawarra, South Coast: Venues fined for COVID-19 breaches
The names and locations of six Illawarra and South Coast venues fined for alleged COVID-19 breaches have been revealed.
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The names of six Illawarra and South Coast venues fined over alleged breaches of COVID-19 Public Health Orders and licensing regulations have been revealed.
Over the weekend, police attached to Wollongong Police District conducted a high-visibility licensing operation in order to ensure venues are abiding by strict social distancing and safety laws.
Around 4pm on Saturday afternoon, police attended the Figtree Hotel and found a large number of patrons standing together and drinking in groups.
It’s alleged the venue manager did not properly enforce the COVID-19 safety plan for the pub and on Monday, Figtree Hotel was issued a $5000 PIN.
That same day, officers from Lake Illawarra Police District conducted a licensing compliance operation throughout Gerringong, Shellharbour and Dapto.
The Spruce Moose on Addison Street, Shellharbour, was issued a penalty notice for failing to comply with direction and fined $1,100 fine for operating as a bar and not a restaurant.
Another venue on Burra Place, Shellharbour, and The Hill Bar and Kitchen on Fern Street, Gerringong, were also issued penalties for failing to comply with direction.
The alleged breaches included being overcrowded, not enforcing physical distancing, not having COVID safety marshals present, and breaching individual COVID Safety plans.
Stoic Brewing on Rowlins Road, Gerringong, received an official warning for failing to comply with direction under Public Health Act and was issued a $1000 fine for breaching licensing conditions under the Liquor Act.
Licensing police also assisted in the early closure of the Dapto Hotel on Saturday night.
Two arrests were made in the process for offensive conduct and failing to comply with a reasonable direction. The venue has since received a $5000 fine for failing to comply with direction.
Wollongong Police District commander Superintendent Evan Quarmby said while police were happy with the general compliance of venues, the weekend’s breaches had been disappointing.
“Unfortunately there have been several in Lake Illawarra that have breached and disobeyed those regulations,” he said.
“And on Monday we took action against a Wollongong licensee for an incident that occurred at the weekend.
Superintendent Quarmby said police would be on high alert as they continue monitoring and patrolling licensed venues across the region.
“Police have been very patient in education licensees about the rules,” he said.
“Those days are gone … what we are doing now is making sure our community stays safe and we will do that by being out in force and making sure (venues are doing the right thing.”