TOUGH NEW COVID-19 COMPLIANCE MEASURES FOR PUBS

New rules will be introduced to pubs across NSW that will limit group bookings to a maximum of 10 people and cap the number of customers inside a venue to 300 people following a concerning rise in COVID-19 cases.

Tough new compliance measures will also see dedicated Hygiene Marshalls patrol venues to keep customers safe and ensure the mandatory implementation of a COVID-Safe plan.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new measures, agreed to by the NSW Australian Hotels Association, will come into force at 12:01am Friday, 17 July.

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;

o   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.

o   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.

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. On the spot fines can also be issued.

Liquor and Gaming NSW also have the power to enforce the following penalties:

  • FIRST OFFENCE: $5,500 fine or relevant penalty for breach of the Public Health Order.

  • SECOND OFFENCE: Business will be closed for one week.

  • THIRD OFFENCE: (repeated and wilful non-compliance): Shutdown for up to one month

Joe McGirr Office