Liquor & Gaming NSW has launched an investigation into claims that up to 250 people breached social distancing rules in a queue outside the Golden Sheaf Hotel at Double Bay on Wednesday night.
NSW Police have confirmed officers were called to disperse a large crowd of people waiting to gain entry to the venue after receiving multiple reports from the public.
Liquor & Gaming NSW A/Director of Compliance Operations, Dimitri Argeres, said inspectors have today contacted the hotel’s management to seek an explanation for the apparent breach of social distancing requirements.
“We are treating this matter extremely seriously. Venues should be aware that Liquor & Gaming NSW conducts both overt and covert inspections to check for compliance with COVID restrictions,” Mr Argeres said.
“With the potential for new cases of COVID 19 to emerge in NSW, we need all businesses including hotels and clubs to be constantly vigilant in checking that patrons are observing the rules.
“Under the NSW public health orders, hotels must have a COVID safe plan which must be enforced at each premises and include measures to manage gatherings that may occur outside the venue.
“While our inspections have shown that the vast majority of venues are complying, those caught doing the wrong thing face significant penalties.”
Refusing or failing to comply with the public health orders without a reasonable excuse is an offence and could result in a fine of up to $11,000 for individuals, six months’ imprisonment, or both. Further fines of $5,500 apply for each day the offence continues.
Businesses face fines of up to $55,000 and up to a further $27,500 for each day the offence continues.
