Police have taken legal action against six Illawarra venues for alleged breaches of Public Health Orders and licensing regulations.
About 3.50pm on Saturday 25 July 2020, officers attached to Wollongong Police District attended a venue on the Princes Highway in Figtree as part of a high-visibility licensing operation.
Inside the venue, police observed a large number of patrons standing together and drinking in groups.
It’s alleged the venue manager did not properly enforce the COVID-19 safety plan for the venue. The venue was issued a $5000 PIN earlier today (Monday 27 July 2020).
On Saturday 25 July 2020, officers from Lake Illawarra Police District conducted a licensing compliance operation throughout Gerringong, Shellharbour and Dapto.
A venue on Addison Street, Shellharbour was issued a penalty notice for failing to comply with direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – Corporation. The venue was also issued a $1,100 fine for operating as a bar and not a restaurant.
A venue on Burra Place, Shellharbour, and a venue on Fern Street, Gerringong, were also issued penalties for failing to comply with direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – Corporation.
The alleged breaches included being overcrowded, not enforcing physical distancing, not having COVID safety marshals present, and breaching individual COVID Safety plans.
A venue on Rowlins Road, Gerringong received an official warning for failing to comply with direction under Public Health Act and was issued a $1000 fine for breaching licencing conditions under the Liquor Act.
Licensing police also assisted in the early closure of the licensed premise at Dapto. Two arrests were made in the process for offensive conduct and failing to comply with a reasonable direction. The venue has since received a $5000 fine for failing to comply with direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – Corporation.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
