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Maskless revellers filmed at Port Melbourne venue defying Covid restrictions

Health officials will examine CCTV footage to determine if dozens of maskless Melbourne revellers at a party were breaching Covid rules.

Restrictions set to ease in metropolitan Melbourne

Dozens of maskless partygoers have been snapped appearing to breach coronavirus restrictions at a popular Port Melbourne venue.

The large group was spotted at the Generations Restaurant on Station Pier for a private event on Monday night.

Neighbouring residents claim to have seen more than 100 people dancing to “really loud music” and flashing lights throughout the night, despite dancefloors currently being banned.

One witness told the Herald Sun that revellers were dancing and “climbing on top of each other”, as two men were hoisted into the air.

“I was just amazed that the crowds were blatantly doing the wrong thing right in front of my face,” the neighbour said.

Two men are hoisted in the air as partygoers dance at Generations Cafe Bar and Grill in Port Melbourne.
Two men are hoisted in the air as partygoers dance at Generations Cafe Bar and Grill in Port Melbourne.
Revellers crowded together at the raucous party.
Revellers crowded together at the raucous party.
Neighbours say they saw more than 100 people on the dancefloor.
Neighbours say they saw more than 100 people on the dancefloor.

“I’m just really angry about the situation because Barnaby Joyce got a $200 fine for not wearing a mask to fill up petrol, but here we’ve got 100 people climbing on top of each other and dancing. It’s absolutely two-faced and they’re not protecting society.

“I know Victoria is doing really well at the minute with no cases, but we don’t want to be put into another lockdown because of people like this.”

Police were called to the venue – which was closed to the public – about 6.30pm after receiving reports of a “potential breach” of the Chief Health Officer’s directions.

“It was determined that all CHO directions were being adhered to and no breaches had been identified at the venue,” the spokeswoman said.

But hours later the Herald Sun witnessed the celebrations ramp up, with attendees out of their seats and gathering on the dance floor in a close circle for at least half an hour.

A Department of Health spokeswoman confirmed Generations Bar and Grill was inspected on Wednesday.

Police were called to attend the event at Generations Cafe Bar and Grill. Picture: David Caird
Police were called to attend the event at Generations Cafe Bar and Grill. Picture: David Caird

“Investigations are ongoing, with the Department requesting CCTV footage from the premises,” she said.

The venue’s management acknowledged a breach may have “momentarily” occurred, but maintains all necessary Covid-19 guidelines were adhered to.

“Management has become aware that a small number of patrons may have momentarily breached Covid-19 requirements,” a venue spokesman said.

“Our venue team members immediately took steps to bring any noncomplying activities to a stop, which they did shortly thereafter.

“All necessary Covid-19 guidelines were adhered to in the preparation of the event and complied with by the venue’s staff throughout the event, including ensuring all patrons checked into the venue, implementing a seated event and spreading the patrons over the entire floor plan of the venue to ensure density requirements were not infringed.”

Police fine crowd after huge maskless party in St Kilda

It comes just a day after popular St Kilda venue Riva was fined more than $10,000 after footage of a wild party circulated social media.

The videos showed the packed crowd dancing inside a marquee, with no social distancing or masks being worn on Saturday night.

Health Minister Martin Foley later condemned the actions, stating he was “very disappointed” to learn of the incident.

Under the chief health officer’s directions bars, karaoke facilities and nightclubs are only open for seated service.

Dancefloors will reopen across the state from Friday, but no more than 50 people can party together at any one time.

mitchell.clarke@news.com.au

@96mitchclarke

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/coronavirus/maskless-revellers-filmed-at-port-melbourne-venue-defying-covid-restrictions/news-story/2d80eb540381a956b5cc099b6916894f