COVID-19: Soul Origin in Maitland fined over safety breach
A Maitland business admitted it had ‘nothing in place’ to ensure COVID-19 safety and as a result has been slapped with a fine from NSW Fair Trading.
Newcastle
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A Maitland cafe is one of a number of eateries across NSW which has been fined for breaching COVID-19 public health orders.
Popular chain cafe Soul Origin in Maitland was slapped with a $5000 fine after the business admitted it had ‘nothing in place’ to ensure COVID safety.
NSW Fair Trading inspected the cafe — situated in the Stockland Green Hills Shopping Centre — on August 3 and observed an absence of COVID safety signage, and customer tables and chairs placed closely together.
The business was not registered as COVID safe.
Liquor and Gaming Director of Compliance, Dimitri Argeres, said businesses need to take their obligations seriously.
“All it can take to spread infection is being too close to other people, for too long – especially indoors,” he said.
“Physical distancing, providing your contact details and maintaining good hand hygiene are really the most important things we as individuals can do when we enter a premises.
“Patrons must remember that it is their responsibility to make sure they’re helping businesses by complying with the measures they have to put in place and any directions given by venue staff.”
COVID safety breaches can be reported to NSW Police.
Liquor and Gaming, SafeWork and Fair Trading conduct uniformed and undercover inspections of licensed venues and can issue on the spot fines or temporarily close businesses where necessary.