Darwin bar Lola’s Pergola fined almost $5500 for breaching coronavirus restrictions

A DARWIN bar has become the first NT hospitality venue to be fined almost $5500 for breaching coronavirus restrictions, after receiving several cautions from NT Police.

Lola’s Pergola has become the first NT hospitality venue to be fined almost $5500 for breaching coronavirus restrictions, after receiving several cautions from NT Police. Picture: David May

DARWIN bar Lola’s Pergola has become the first NT hospitality venue to be fined almost $5500 for breaching coronavirus restrictions, after receiving several cautions from NT Police.

NT Police issued an infringement notice and a $5495 fine to the owner of Lola’s Pergola this morning for failing to abide by the Chief Health Officer’s directions under section 56 of the Public and Environmental Health Act.

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NT Police advised the venue had received its first official warning on Friday, May 15 – the day bars, pubs and restaurants reopened to the public for table service – for failing to serve separate meals to individuals drinking alcohol, patrons not being seated while drinking alcohol and social distancing not being adhered to at the premises.

On Friday, May 22, officers attended the venue again with Environmental Health Officers after concerned patrons advised them the venue was serving alcohol without meals also being consumed.

Observations by the officers confirmed the breach and provided the venue’s owner with advice and education regarding the Chief Health Officer’s expectations.

Police returned to the venue last night, when the owner was again cautioned for not following directions.

On Sunday the venue owner was issued with a $5495 fine.

Acting Commander Shaun Gill said venue owners had to ensure their patrons were being responsible, or they too could be fined.

“This is a timely reminder that the onus is on licenced premises and individuals to adhere to Stage 2 restrictions of the Territory’s Roadmap to our new normal,” he said.

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NT Police and Environmental Health Officers continue to undertake compliance activities.

So far 11,581 compliance checks have been completed and 57 fines have been issued.