Wollongong and Lake Illawarra general duties and specialist licencing police will be visiting venues this month to ensure public health order compliance.
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The high-visibility operation will see police enter licenced premises in an effort to educate managers and patrons about the COVID-19 restrictions still in place.
Police will also be targeting alcohol-related crime including assaults, anti-social behaviour and public order incidents.
On Monday morning, shortly after the Steelers club reopened for the first time in months, Wollongong officers patrolled the venue.
Steelers' general manager Sharon Arrow said the officers commended the club's set up and were pleased with the hygiene and social distancing measures put in place.
Wollongong Police District commander, Superintendent Evan Quarmby said police would continue to work with business owners and licensed venues on safe practices.
"We understand the community are excited to get back to a sense of normality but we need to ensure this doesn't come at the expense of the health of others," he said.
"We do not have a green light to go back to normal life.
"Continue to practice good hygiene, follow social distancing and make sure to abide by the COVID-health and safety plans that are being put in place by our local businesses."
Lake Illawarra Police District commander, Detective Superintendent Dean Smith praised the majority of the community for adhering to social distancing restrictions.
"The number of infringement notices relating to public health orders has decreased and I would like to thank the community for making our job easier by abiding by the restrictions," he said.
"Our police are out in force to keep the community safe and that is the message we will continue to push.
"We will continue to exercise compassion over compliance.
"Although we have seen good behaviour among the majority of the community, there are still a few who have little regard for the restrictions or putting the community at risk.
"We will be ensuring those attending and operating licenced premises do so in a safe manner. Intoxication levels will be monitored and the responsible consumption and service of alcohol will be a key focus."