Coronavirus: Results of Queensland Government venue blitz revealed, Gold Coast venues on track

The State Government inspected dozens of businesses across the Coast to check they were obeying strict COVID-19 rules and regulations – here’s how we fared.

GOLD Coast venues have been religiously obeying strict COVID-19 rules and regulations to curb its spread, a recent State Government blitz shows.

Just 3.7 per cent - or fewer than one in 20 - of venues were pulled up by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) during a blitz from Sunday, December 20 - but all for small breaches.

There was 106 inspections between December 20-24 and four venues were found to have minor noncompliance.

Jesse Waddington checking in to Precinct Brewing Co at Miami under the watchful eye of worker Amy Clements. Picture: Scott Powick

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The city fared well according to statewide OLGR figures. Out of nearly 400 inspections 23 per cent of venues had minor issues mostly relating to inadequate controls ensuring patrons had checked in.

The regulator’s approach was “educative” and helped businesses comply, an OLGR spokesman said.

“No significant issues were detected that resulted in punitive enforcement. A very small proportion of venues were identified as still using manual record keeping methods,” he said.

Licensees were informed of restrictions which could be imposed on businesses still using print check-in systems - instead of required electronic QR codes. Penalties were reduced capacities and mandatory seating.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The blitz was launched after the New South Wales Northern Beaches outbreak.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said contact tracers tracking patrons of Eight Mile Plains’ Glen Hotel were hampered by illegible handwriting on check-in forms.

She warned venues had “72 hours to get your house in order”.

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“You must have QR codes, or you must have electronic devices in place otherwise you’ll be going back to the one (person) per four square metre and people won’t be able to stand up and enjoy their drinks,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Venues were told social distancing and hygiene measures would also be scrutinised.

Inspections continue at venues throughout Queensland.

Gold Coast hospitality boss Scott Imlach at Bine Bar & Dining. Picture: Scott Powick

Small bar and restaurant king Scott Imlach - owner of Hideaway, The Backyard Cafe, Nightjar and Nightcap, Bine, Mr Hizolas and Precinct Brewing - said his venues had long used electronic check-ins.

“We’re all compliant anyway so we weren’t too worried about it,” he said.

“The blitz was communicated well to us and there was phone calls by the government. They did ask some questions over the phone.

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“Everyone is used to checking in, they’re understanding. People walk straight up to check in.”

Surfers Paradise Licensed Venues Association president Tim Martin said venues were keen to do their part to avoid a devastating return to lockdowns and business closures.

Patron Jesse Waddington and worker Amy Clements at Precinct Brewing Co. Picture: Scott Powick

.The Artesian Hospitality invested partner managing Sin City, The Bedroom and Havana R & B said nightclubs and bars were used to checking in patrons, and increased scrutiny.

“We’re not taking any risks because we are the most heavily regulated,” he said. “If something goes down it’ll probably be put on us. We just don’t want any grief.

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“If you’re in a line somewhere look for a QR code, don’t wait until you’re at the front of the line – that’s what’s holding everyone up.”

Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Martin Hall was confident most businesses were using electronic check-ins.

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Motorists have been queuing at the border to enter the Gold Coast ahead of New Year’s Eve. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Steve Holland

“Certainly, we’ve had a real shift in people inquiring about it. We did it well anyway, but there was a small percentage still taking details on pieces of paper,” he said.

“Since the latest (NSW) outbreak we’ve seen a noticeable pricking up of the ears.”

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OLGR has conducted more than 3000 inspections of licensed premises statewide - including 600 on the Gold Coast - since businesses reopened this year - and before the latest blitz.

About 700 issues were detected and about half related to contact tracing registers and controls ensuring everyone attending had checked in.

OLGR had issued over 500 warnings and 31 infringement notices for noncompliance with the Public Health Act by December 19.