Police examine dancefloor footage

A number of Queensland nightspots are facing the possibility of major fines after footage of scores of revellers getting down to acts deemed off-limits was circulated. Now, the police are getting involved. SEE THE DAMNING FOOTAGE

POLICE are examining footage of revellers dancing at nightspots this weekend, with the high-risk activity off-limits during the COVID pandemic.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she had seen footage of pumping dancefloors and the police were looking at it too.

New $150 vouchers for parents

Gold Coast restaurant owners reveal struggle to keep their heads above water

Coronavirus leaves Qld country pubs on the brink

“It is unfortunate that some (nightclubs) did breach those rules,” she said.

“That’s a matter for police and I do hope that some day in the near future we’ll be able to go back to some sort of normality.

“But until then it is so important that everyone abides by the rules.”

She said the police were looking at whether fines would be handed out.

“They did submit COVID-Safe plans, so if they have breached those COVID-Safe plans then there could be fines imposed.”

She said she wanted to thank those nightclubs that did do the right thing.

Bars and clubs were allowed to reopen to more people from Friday and serve patrons at the bar, but dancing has been ruled as too high a risk for spreading the virus.

Ms Palaszczuk said despite relaxed restrictions, people still had to social distance, practice good hand hygiene, not go out if they’re sick, and get tested if they’re sick.

“All reports are that the majority of people are doing the right thing,” she said.

“ … As we’ve seen, it is very easy for a few cases to increase quite dramatically as we have seen in Victoria.”

A police spokesman said officers were working with partner agencies including the Office of Liquor and Gaming to ensure all licensed premises were complying with COVID-19 public health directions.

“While the vast majority of pubs and clubs are abiding by COVID-19 restrictions, compliance teams will continue to engage with licensees and monitor the situation in popular nightspot areas such as Fortitude Valley,” a police spokesman said.

“Police will take necessary enforcement action if licensed premises are found to be blatantly flouting the rules.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure they are practising effective social distancing and following the directions as set out by the Chief Health Officer.”

It comes as Queensland recorded no new cases of COVID-19 overnight. Victoria recorded 74.

Originally published as Police examine dancefloor footage