Riva nightclub fined $10k for holding massive dance party, breaching Covid-19 restrictions

While other cities remain in lockdown, outrageous footage has showed hundreds of party goers packing a Melbourne nightclub without any masks.

A popular nightclub has been slapped with a huge fine for breaching Covid-19 restrictions after hundreds of people gathered without any masks for a dance party.

Police were called to Riva on Marine Parade in St Kilda about 10.15pm on Saturday and found about 1000 people packed into the venue, dancing to a DJ set and not social distancing or wearing face coverings.

Footage obtained by NCA NewsWire, linked to the venue, showed people back-to-back jumping up and down to the music.

A popular nightclubbing venue has been slapped with a huge fine for breaching Covid-19 restrictions.

One woman even yelled “f*** Rona” to the camera.

The venue was fined $10,904.

Police also referred the matter to the Department of Health for further investigation.

When questioned about the major breach on Sunday, health Minister Martin Foley said it was disappointing.

“I was very disappointed to learn of that report, we’ve referred that to our compliance division,” he said.

“We know the measures in place are tough, but they’re tough for a good reason – to get us to where we are now with days of zero cases.”

When questioned about the major breach on Sunday, Health Minister Martin Foley said it was disappointing. Picture: Luis Ascui / NCA NewsWire

Covid-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar described the breach as frustrating.

“I haven’t seen the actual approval that they were granted, but it certainly wasn’t for 1000 people dancing around without masks on,” Mr Weimar told reporters on Monday.

“I get people are frustrated, but this is not how you get through a pandemic, this is not how you get through an outbreak and that’s not how we got to the last six weeks together.

“We will do our best to review the restrictions … over the coming days but those kind of events don’t make it any easier.”

Mr Weimar said the venue would need approval for any similar events in future “but I don’t think it’s going to be any easier for them going forward”.

Under Victoria’s current Covid-19 restrictions, there is only seated service allowed at nightclubs, restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues. Dancefloors remain closed.

Riva has been contacted for comment.