Harry’s Clothing Berwick: Police slap retailer with another hefty fine for reopening
A Berwick clothing shop owner says he will reopen on Monday despite being slapped with another hefty fine for reopening his shop.
South East
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A Berwick retailer has once again been slapped with a hefty fine for reopening his shop and defying stage four restrictions.
Harry’s Clothing owner Harry Hutchinson, who was slapped with a $9913 fine for operating in breach of the stage 4 Chief Health Officer directions on Thursday, said he had been slapped with a second fine on Saturday for reopening his business.
“I’ve been told I will be receiving another $10,000 fine in the mail but I’ll be reopening on Monday regardless of what’s announced in the press conference tomorrow,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“I was fined because I made the statement that I will be opening and I was told they would also fine people if they were in my store.”
He said he wanted to clarify the gofundme page was setup by the community to help with legal fees.
“I don’t want others to pay the fine for me, if people are willing to donate it will be for legal fees to fight the fines.”
Mr Hutchinson said he was “absolutely devastated” about the Hughesdale hairdressing salon being fined and shut down by police.
“I knew I was breaking the law when I opened on the first day but I think they should’ve been issued with a warning.
“I feel really, really responsible for this and I’m horrified that it’s only a new business and they’ve got this massive fine to pay.
“I am really disappointed, gutted and it’s just ridiculous.”
He said he encouraged small businesses to take the risk and open up on Monday.
“Small businesses have to take the risk and open their doors. I’ve admitted that I’ve made a mistake and I’m really sorry and I hope our leader can do the same.”
A Victoria Police spokeswoman, who did not confirm if the fine was issued, said police would not be providing a running commentary in relation to the situation.
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