Police said inspections at the The Rivers Restaurant in the Snowy Mountains found the venue had exceeded the maximum capacity of patrons, failed to maintain spacing between seating, allowed people to mingle between tables, queues to grow to 30 people standing shoulder-to-shoulder and patrons had consumed drinks while standing.
Dimitri Argeres, NSW Liquor and Gaming director of compliance, said the message wasn’t getting through.
After three inspections found breaches, the venue was warned, then its manager and event promoter were each fined $5000.
“After finding yet more breaches on the fourth visit, it was clear that the ongoing operation of the premises presented a clear and significant risk to public health,” Mr Argeres said.
The restaurant will be closed for seven days from 5am tomorrow.
It’s the second NSW venue to be closed for a week. Last month, Unity Hall Hotel in Sydney’s inner west was ordered to shut after a string of similar breaches.
NSW recorded one new coronavirus case today – a returned overseas traveller in hotel quarantine.
State health authorities are urging hospitality venues to maintain pandemic restrictions in the lead up to the Spring racing carnival, Bathurst 1000 motor race, football finals, and schoolies celebrations.
