A licensed premises in Dubbo has been issued a penalty infringement notice (PIN) following a breach of public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just after 1pm on Sunday (2 August 2020) officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District attended a licensed premises on Talbragar Street, Dubbo, after reports of an altercation.
Following inquiries and after viewing CCTV, police will allege upward of 30 patrons occupied the gaming room of the premises and were standing with no social distancing maintained.
Officers attended the premise about 10am today (Wednesday 5 August 2020) and the venue was issued with a $5000 fine for failing to comply with requirements of a Public Health Order – COVID-19.
The maximum penalty for contravening a Public Health Order is a fine of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
The standard penalty is a fine by way of an on-the-spot Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) – $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
Orana Mid-Western Police District Commander, Superintendent Peter McKenna, said police will continue to work with businesses in relation to their COVID-19 safety plans and provide advice and guidance.
"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 McKenna 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 regions that are being impacted."
