Coronavirus Gold Coast: More venues facing fines for breaching COVID-19 restrictions

More Gold Coast restaurants and bars are expected to be fined for breaching COVID-19 restrictions during the weekend when interstate visitors flooded in.

MORE Gold Coast restaurants and bars are expected to be fined for breaching COVID-19 restrictions during the weekend when interstate visitors flooded in.

The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) confirmed on Monday it had ­inspected 19 venues in Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta on ­Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

VENUES PLEAD FOR CHANGE TO AVOID ‘WORST CASE SCENARIO’

A OLGR spokesperson said “although most venues were compliant, some were not”.

Moxy's Rooftop Bar was fined last weekend.

MOXY’S ROOFTOP BAR FINED MORE THAN $6000 FOR BREACHING RESTRICTIONS

The spokesperson added its officers had monitored licensee compliance with the Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young’s ­restrictions on businesses, with “areas of focus including ­record keeping for contact tracing, dancing restrictions and occupant density”.

“A number of matters are subject to continuing investigation as a result of identified issues around maximum occupancy, incomplete patron records and dancing being permitted,” the spokesperson said.

“These further investigations will determine whether enforcement action is warranted under the Public Health Act 2005, such as issuing infringement notices of up to $6670.

OLGR inspected 19 venues on the Gold Coast during the weekend.

“It is also important patrons adhere to Chief Health Officer directions, co-operate with licensees and respect physical distancing requirements.”

Coolangatta venue Moxy’s Rooftop Bar was slugged $6672.50 last week for “fail to comply with directions” and “fail to keep patron detail ­contract register”.

The venue paraded the fine docket on its social media. That prompted support for its plight but also critics saying it was important to obey rules.