Fines aplenty as self-serve buffets present a COVID safety risk

In the wake of 23 Sydney venues being issued with COVID-related fines, authorities are now looking to the public to report any unsafe practices they might see whilst dining out. 

As reported in the Sunday Telegraph, Strathfield Korean BBQ restaurant Butchers Buffet was fined $5000 by SafeWork. 

On 11 September, inspectors visited Butchers Buffet and observed customers sharing utensils, condiments and bowls of food, all whilst sitting in close proximity to each other and not following the distancing rules currently in place. Patrons were also captured on CCTV serving themselves at the buffet, whilst not physically distancing.

Sarina Wise, Director of work health and safety metro at SafeWork NSW, said the breaches go against any logic as self-serve buffets are not a good idea during a pandemic due to the ease of contamination.

“No self-serve buffet style food service is allowed, including communal bar snacks and communal condiments.

“Sharing items on a buffet is clearly a direct line for COVID transmission,” Ms Wise said.

Ms Wise has requested diners to report any unsafe practices they may witness.

In Sydney last week, inspectors issued fines to several venues for breaches such as inadequate spacing between tables and gaming machines being too close together. These included venues such as pubs, cafes, restaurants and bowling clubs. These venues were also lacking a COVID-19 Safety Plan or were not registered as ‘COVIDSafe’. 

Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said most venues are doing the right thing but others clearly think the rules don’t apply to them.

“This is unacceptable and my message to them is simple — pick up your game or you’ll be fined. Community safety must come first,” he said $658,000 worth of fines have been issued to date. 

If you see a breach, you can report it here.

These businesses were fined this week:

• Albion Hotel – Parramatta
• Ashfield Bowling Club - Ashfield
• Butchers Buffet – Strathfield
• Cafe on Monash – Gladesville
• Commercial Hotel – Kingsgrove
• Collector Hotel – Parramatta
• Crown Hotel – Parramatta
• Erciyes Turkish Restaurant – Redfern
• General Bourke – Parramatta
• Glasgow Arms Hotel – Ultimo
• Indian Leaf – Redfern
• La Famiglia Ristorante & Pizzeria – Jindabyne
• Lotus Barangaroo – Barangaroo
• Maya Da Dhaba – Redfern
• Mohr Fish – St Ives
• Rosehill Hotel – Rosehill
• Oscars Sports Hotel - Bankstown
• Rosehill Hotel – Rosehill
• Royal Hotel – Darlington
• Ship Inn – Sydney
• Southern Cross Hotel – St Peters
• St Jude Café – Redfern
• Thredbo Alpine Hotel
• Zushi Restaurant – Barangaroo