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A Byron Bay restaurant has been slapped with a $5,000 fine for an alleged breach of COVID-19 restrictions as it hosted schoolies celebrations over the weekend.
Police say that as a part of ‘Operation Summer Safe 2020’ and ‘Operation Schoolies 2020’, licensing police from Northern Region conducted a deployment to Byron Bay, assessing venue compliance with regards to the Public Health Orders.
As a result of inquiries, police attended a restaurant on Jonson Street, where they observed more than the designated one person per four square metres inside the venue, over a two-day period.
Following further inquiries, police contacted the business owner yesterday and issued a $5,000 Penalty Infringement Notice.
Tweed/Byron Police District Commander, Superintendent Dave Roptell said as thousands of school leavers arrive in Byron this week, venues need to be aware of their responsibilities in maintaining a COVID-Safe environment.
“There are Year 12 students coming to Byron Bay from all across Australia, including Victoria, Queensland and Greater Sydney,” Supt Roptell said.
“Our specialised licensing police will continue to conduct business inspections and compliance checks throughout the entire ‘Schoolies’ and ‘Summer Safe’ operations, to ensure venues have their COVID-Safety plans up-to-date and are doing their bit to protect the Northern NSW community.”
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
