Police issued multiple fines and arrested two people at Illawarra venues on Saturday following a series of alleged COVID-safety breaches.
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Wollongong officers were conducting high-visibility inspections of licensed premises when they visited Figtree Hotel on the Princes Highway, about 3.50pm.
Police said they observed a large number of patrons standing together, drinking in groups inside the venue.
Police will allege that the venue manager did not properly enforce the COVID-19 safety plan for the venue, and they will be issued a $5000 penalty infringement notice (PIN).
Lake Illawarra Police District officers also conducted an operation to inspect hospitality venues on Saturday, with PINs to be issued to four of the seven venues visited.
These include restaurants and hotels in Gerringong and Shellharbour who were allegedly breaching the current Public Health Orders.
The alleged breaches included being overcrowded, not enforcing physical distancing, not having COVID safety marshals present, and breaching COVID Safety plans.
Licensing police also assisted in the early closure of a licensed premise at Dapto in order to avoid breaches.
Two arrests were made in the process for offensive conduct and failing to comply with a reasonable direction.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
According to police, further action is anticipated for other alleged breaches detected throughout the state during recent days.
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