Stick to rules or be shut

Coast venues flouting social distancing rules will no longer be warned but face fines or closure, Justice Minister Yvette D’Ath has foreshadowed.

It comes after Moxy’s Rooftop Bar at Coolangatta was fined $6672.50 for breaching restrictions on July 3, hours after stage two measures came in. It was fined for “fail to keep patron detail contact register”.

More fines were issued to two nightclubs in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley that weekend, with CCTV of patrons busting shapes on outlawed dancefloors.

Ms D’Ath has revealed more businesses could face major fines this week.

“Our compliance officers are still investigating matters identified in venues over the first weekend of stage three, and the weekend just gone.

“All licensees should be aware of how to operate under stage 3 and in certain circumstances warnings will no longer be given. Immediate closure of a venue may also be warranted.”

Ms D’Ath said a small number of “rogue operators” were breaking rules and putting the public at risk. “This great work (to stop virus spread) risks being undone by a small minority who have been taking shortcuts and flouting the rules, potentially endangering other people’s health,” she said.

“Authorities won’t be afraid to keep enforcing these rules.

“It is very clear dancing is not conducive to social dis

tancing and will increase the risk of COVID-19.

“We made it clear when we relaxed restrictions for licensed venues while we want people to enjoy themselves, it is vital they comply with social distancing rules.”

A Burleigh Pavilion spokesman said businesses were frustrated by those not following safety plans: “It puts the entire industry under pressure. We’d say to other owners and operators, you’ve got to obey rules.

“Everyone is in it together. Obey the rules and if we do, further relief will come. That’s what we want. We want to get back to normal trade.”

Surfers Paradise Sandbar’s Josh Martin had sympathy for operators. “I feel sorry for them. Rules are so vague, they have different sources. It was hard to follow in the beginning.”