Coronavirus Gold Coast: Police attend Southport Bowls Club after complaint

Police were called after bowlers took to the greens at a Gold Coast club yesterday amid ongoing confusion about what is and isn’t allowed following the relaxation of restrictions.

POLICE attended a leading Gold Coast bowls club yesterday after complaints about two dozen bowlers on the greens.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) said police had discussions with Southport Bowls Club management over the gathering of about 25 people.

“It was established there had been a genuine misinterpretation of the Chief Health Officer’s directives,” the spokesman said.

“The QPS provided advice regarding the club’s obligations under the directives and is satisfied all issues have since been addressed.

Bowlers at the Southport Bowls Club yesterday.

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“Officers will continue to educate and show compassion when engaging with members of the public as we all work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

No one received a fine.

The resident who had spotted the gathering said he was concerned, given the age of the people gathering.

“I found it kind of insulting, many people are out of work and at home trying to keep people in the vulnerable age bracket safe, but this is the exact group out flaunting the restrictions.

“I thought it was bizarre. 

“It has only been a few weeks surely they could have been patient.”

Police said there had been a “genuine misinterpretation” of the rules and no fines were issued.

Under the current public health directive that are in place “more than two persons who are not members of the same household” are not permitted to gather, except for permitted purposes such as healthcare and funerals.

The Southport Bowls Club was not available for comment.