Dancing leads to $10,000 fine for Sydney pub owner
Several COVID safety breaches were reported to have happened at a NSW bar where patrons were seen dancing and hugging, leading to a $10,000 fine for the bar owner.
The fine was handed to the Odyssey Bar Restaurant in Leichhardt after CCTV footage viewed by NSW Department of Customer Service inspectors showed large groups dancing in numerous locations across the venue late into the night and early morning on 17 and 18 October.
Dimitri Argeres, director of compliance for Liquor & Gaming said the venue was issued with two $5000 fines as there was proven to be a complete disregard for social distancing.
“It’s hard to fathom how staff could have failed to notice and stop things getting out of hand as patrons had in effect created multiple dancefloors,” he said.
“The COVID Safe requirements are in place for a reason, and all venues need to make sure they are fully compliant.”
It comes as a second COVID safety blitz is scheduled for Wednesday night when Department of Customer Service inspectors will be checking that pubs and clubs are compliant as they screen the second State of Origin rugby league match.
Customer Service NSW has announced that in the coming months, more blitzes were going to take place across NSW. This way inspectors can keep the public safe and continue enforcing the COVID-19 public health orders during the festive season.
Irit Jackson, 12th November 2020
