Coolum Beach’s New Earth Cafe fined for allegedly failing to comply with Covid-19 rules
An organic cafe on the Sunshine Coast has been fined $1300 after police allege the owner and her employees refused to wear a mask “multiple” times. WATCH THE VIDEO
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Police fined the owner of a Sunshine Coast cafe after she allegedly failed to comply with Covid-19 rules.
Officers allege they attended a Coolum Beach venue three times on Friday and requested a woman and her employees wear masks.
The Daily understands the alleged incident unfolded at New Earth Cafe on Birtwill Street.
In footage released on Friday, an officer can be heard telling staff they received complaints in relation to employees not wearing masks.
“If your staff do not wear masks and they’re serving customers, they’re in breach of that act and they can be charged,” the officer says.
Police allege a 38-year-old Ninderry woman refused to wear a mask on each occasion and allegedly became verbally abusive towards officers.
She was arrested and taken into custody for allegedly breaching the public health direction and failing to provide information requested by police.
The business owner was issued one infringement notice for fail to comply with CHO direction and given a $1378 fine. No charges were laid.
An employee was also given a fail to comply with Covid-19 direction for a fine of $206.
New Earth Cafe took to social media on Friday to confirm staff were involved in the alleged incident.
“We experienced a huge day today at the cafe, New Earth Cafe and all our staff had 3 police visits today resulting in Sarah being arrested and locked up for almost 3 hours this afternoon,” the post read.
A Queensland Police spokesman said the business owner was not charged with any offences.
In addition to running a cafe, New Earth Cafe’s website says Ben and Sarah Parsons also offer yoga and cooking classes and sound healing sessions.
The pair declined to comment on the alleged incident.
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