An Armidale pub has been fined $5000 for breaching public health orders, after more than 30 patrons were cramped in two small areas.
It’s alleged the group was at the pub for a wake when officers from New England Police District dropped in to conduct a Public Health Order check.
Police say none of the patrons were practising social distancing.
The patrons were ordered to leave and the pub was fined.
New England Police District Commander, Superintendent Scott Tanner, said police will continue to enforce Public Health Orders.
“Whilst it is the responsibility of licensed premises to ensure they’re complying with Public Health Orders, the public have to understand they’re putting those premises at risk and they may also be held liable,” Supt Tanner said.
“They’re putting the livelihoods of these businesses at risk, and if people don’t think it’s going to happen in our area they only have to look at other regional areas that are being impacted.”
Supt Tanner said the public need to take responsibility for their actions.
“The parties that put this licensed premises at risk were young people whose behaviour was a display of recklessness, and if they think they’re immune to COVID-19, or to Public Health Orders, they can think again,” he said.
“Up until this stage we’ve been trying to work with the community and with licensed premises, but clearly that’s fallen on deaf ears so we have no other option than to enforce these Public Health Orders and we will continue to do so.”
