Tough new rules announced for pubs and hotels today will be enforced with “random and covert inspections” and harsh penalties, according to NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard. 

Read more news: NSW premier announces tighter restrictions for pubs

Businesses breaching the rules of the new Public Health Order can see on the spot fines issued, with Liquor and Gaming NSW having the power to enforce the following penalties:

Businesses breaching the rules once can get a fine of $5,500; two offences will see the business closed for one week; and three will see the business shut down for up to one month. 

Mr Hazzard reported that any business found in breach of the public health orders will be held to account and could face a penalty of up to $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty may apply for each day an offence continues. 

Under the new measures, pubs across NSW will be required to implement the following:

·    The number of people per booking or table will be reduced from 20 people to 10;

·    A cap of 300 people in a venue at any one time;

·    Compulsory COVID-Safe registration through Service NSW;

·    A dedicated COVID Safe Hygiene Marshall in distinctive clothing must oversee social distancing, cleaning and hygiene at the venue;

  Large hotels with a capacity of greater than 250 people are to have a COVID Safe Hygiene Marshall on duty whenever the hotel is open.

Smaller hotels with a capacity of less than 250 are to have a COVID Safe Hygiene Marshall employed in peak periods (lunch 12pm to 3pm and dinner 5pm to 9pm).

·    Paper sign-in will still be permitted, but hotels must create a digital record of patron names and phone numbers (excel or word) to be submitted within 24 hours;

·    Ensure all patrons provide their name and contact details accurately; and

·    Encouraged to strongly promote QR code sign-in.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said venues enforcing COVID-Safe plans is a crucial element in reducing the chance of an outbreak and keeping the community safe.

“These new measures will reduce the number of people in venues at any one time and ensure customers’ details are recorded accurately so they are immediately available to contact tracers should there be an outbreak at a venue,” Mr Hazzard said.

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said these new rules will be enforced with random and covert inspections “and there will be zero tolerance for non-compliance.”

“These new measures strike the right balance in protecting the health and safety of the people of NSW and ensuring venues remain operational,” Mr Dominello said. 

Australian Hotels Association (AHA) NSW chief executive John Whelan said the NSW Government had worked closely with industry to develop these new requirements which help keep the community safe.

“We all know how important it is for our venues to stay COVID-Safe – we are in constant contact with our members and will ensure they understand how vital it is they comply with these new measures.”