Venue warned while another forced to close under virus safety rules
A DARWIN venue has been issued with an official warning by police after failing to abide by coronavirus rules on Friday night.
NT Police acting Commander Shaun Gill also said yesterday another venue, which was later identified as
Beaver Brewery in Coconut Grove, was forced to close on Friday after a large group of people arrived unexpectedly.
“The one that was really busy actually had a plan in place and a large crowd attended on very short notice and they were unable to deal with the public,” acting Commander Gill said.
He said it was “to their credit” that the restaurant closed its doors.
He would not name the venues, despite police last week naming Six Tanks and Lola’s Pergola as venues that had struggled to abide by stage two restriction rules on the opening night.
However, a staff member from Beaver Brewery confirmed they chose to close their doors just after 7pm. Acting Commander Gill did not believe the same two venues were affected last night.
“That (the warning issued) was the first one for that particular premises,” he said.
Acting Commander Gill said there were clear directions to businesses on the rules and the fine was $5000 if they did not comply – to date no venue has been issued with a fine. “We want to give them some education to start with and give them the opportunity to comply,” he said.
“The onus is on individuals and the onus is on businesses.”
Acting Commander Gill also stressed attendance rules, confirming there could be up to 10 people seated at one table, who could only stay for two hours.