DESPITE prior warnings, a restaurant in Canberra has been fined $5000 after breaching COVID-19 restrictions on Friday night (July 17).
The venue can allow 12 patrons under current social distancing rules; however, 20 diners were there when police officers attended.
Charcoal Restaurant in Civic had received a number of prior warnings to comply with the agreed patron limit displayed at the entrance to the venue. Current COVID-19 restrictions permit one person per four square metres for seated spaces.
Detective Superintendent Jason Kennedy, Commander of the ACT Policing COVID-19 Taskforce, says the guidelines are clear and ACT Policing will continue to take all necessary action to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“This includes taking stronger enforcement action for intentional and flagrant breaches,” Superintendent Kennedy said.
“The majority of people and businesses are doing the right thing despite the disruption to everyday life. With everyone doing it tough, it’s so disappointing when we see a business putting the broader community at risk by brazenly flouting the restrictions.
This is the first fine issued by police as part of the ACT’s COVID-19 response.
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