A Shellharbour cafe has been issued a Penalty Infringement Notice for breaching the Public Health Order on Saturday.
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Just after 9am officers from Lake Illawarra Police District attended the cafe following reports that staff and customers were not complying with Public Health Orders.
Police observed three employees not wearing face masks.
When spoken to, it's alleged they told police they had a medical exemption, however, were not able to provide one.
The owner, a 41-year-old man, was issued PINs for operator of hospitality venue not ensure workers at venue wear fitted face mask and failing to wear a fitted face covering.
Inquiries are continuing.
NSW Police deputy commissioner Gary Worboys spoke of the incident during a national press conference with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Sunday morning.
"When Police were called to that cafe there was an absolute clear resistance by the cafe owner and those people at front of house to actually wear a mask," he said.
"It is clearly irresponsible. The community when you look at social media were certainly against that stance taken by the cafe. And in fact Police had to issue infringement notices. We will follow that up in the coming days to make sure they comply."
Deputy commissioner Worboys said it was also important to show some decency and respect for those people who are trying to help police and others to make sure people comply with Public Health Orders.
"We really need to respect that everyone is in this together," he said.
"It is a shared responsibility."
Commissioner Worboys said across the state the vast majority of people have complied with the Public Health Orders but unfortunately there were still 15 penalty notices issued for a range of incidents.
In total, police issued seven $1000 PINs on Saturday and a further eight $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
More details to come:
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.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
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