Dimattina’s pub ‘targeted’ in Covid compliance check

Former AFL champ Paul Dimattina says he was targeted by health authorities who behaved “like the Gestapo” during a spot check of his South Melbourne pub.

Former AFL player Paul Dimattina says he felt “targeted” after the Health Department conducted a Covid spot check at his South Melbourne pub.

Mr Dimattina, who has been outspoken in his criticism of the state government, said two authorised officers visited Lamaro’s Hotel on Tuesday afternoon.

“They basically came in to make sure we were compliant with current regulations including signage and an up-to-date Covid safety plan,” Mr Dimattina said.

“We’re totally compliant, everything is where it should be.

Mr Dimattina urged authorities to take concerns from small business seriously. Picture: Alex Coppel.

“But it felt like we were made out to have done something wrong.”

Despite meeting all regulations, the publican said the visit left him feeling “unsettled”.

“They were stand-offish and as unfriendly as you could get.”

Mr Dimattina alleged one of the officers said to him, “you’re on our radar” and “we will be back”.

“It felt like a form of bullying. The language used and the way we were treated was unnecessary.”

Mr Dimattina revealed the incident and broader lockdown had compounded ongoing health problems.

“I’ve got some serious health issues at the moment and a lot of that is from stress,” he said.

“The fact of what we’ve had to go through and trying to run a business on such limited numbers makes it really, really hard.

“You’re trying to do everything right but I think there’s inconsistencies in the way hospitality and other businesses get treated.”

Mr Dimattina urged authorities to take concerns from small business owners and workers seriously.

“(The Health Department) have an important job but they need to come in and be friendly, not like the Gestapo as they did today,” he said.

“I’d like to see some empathy and compassion from the government for how hard it is to run a small business, especially in hospitality.”

In a statement, the Health Department said it attended the South Melbourne venue following a report of non-compliance which was a minor issue and “rectified at the time”.

“Authorised officers have been working with businesses such as pubs and nightclubs to ensure they have COVIDSafe settings in place which comply with the Chief Health Officer directions and keep Victorians safe,” a spokesperson said.

“We appreciate the pressures Victorian businesses are experiencing, and our Authorised Officers are aware of the need to be understanding and professional.”