23.9 C
Canberra
Wednesday, January 22, 2025

First Canberra restaurant fined $5000 for COVID-19 breach

Despite a number of prior warnings, a Canberra restaurant has been fined $5,000 after “brazenly flouting” COVID-19 restrictions, the first fine issued by ACT Policing as part of the Territory’s COVID-19 response.

ABC Canberra has reported the restaurant involved is Charcoal Restaurant in Civic; however, when Canberra Daily contacted ACT Policing, they refused to name the restaurant or confirm the report.

The venue is limited to 12 patrons under current social distancing rules; however, 20 diners were present at the establishment when ACT Policing officers attended on Friday night 17 July.

The restaurant 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, said it was everybodyโ€™s responsibility to ensure compliance with the health directions.

โ€œThe 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,โ€ Superintendent Kennedy said.

โ€œThe majority of people and businesses are doing the right thing despite the disruption to everyday life. With everyone doing it tough, itโ€™s so disappointing when we see a business putting the broader community at risk by brazenly flouting the restrictions.

โ€œACT Policing and the ACT Government had engaged with this business on a number of occasions to help support it meet the health directions but our advice was not being listened to or actioned.

โ€œThese rules are in place for a reason and ACT Policing will continue to work with ACT Health and Access Canberra to ensure business compliance. I would like to thank all the businesses that continue to do the right thing. I know the whole community is grateful for the care and consideration you are taking for their safety.โ€

For all general enquiries โ€“ including to make a report of non-compliance of public health directions with referrals to ACT Health Protection Services, ACT Policing or Access Canberra Fair Trading โ€“ you can contact the COVID-19 Helpline on 6207 7244 (8am-8pm 7 days a week) or online form available here. For police assistance, call 131 444 and only contact Triple Zero for emergencies.

For more news stories:

More Stories

ย 
ย 

ย 

Latest

canberra daily

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CANBERRA DAILY NEWSLETTER

Join our mailing lists to receieve the latest news straight into your inbox.

You have Successfully Subscribed!