Wedding venue operator fined for allowing too many guests

SYDNEY: A Sydney venue has been fined $A5000 ($NZ5355) for allowing at least 600 wedding guests, almost double its Covidsafe capacity.

The breach at the wedding reception in Fairfield occurred only 10km from the Berala Covid19 hot spot.

Police attended the venue on

Saturday and estimated at least 600 people were present, despite a Covidsafe capacity of 350.

The venue operator, a 46yearold man, has been fined $5000 for breaching public health orders.

Once police intervened, many guests were told to depart.

Acting Premier John Barilaro was furious about the breach.

``When you have a deliberate act like the venue operators . . . in this case we've got an example of somebody who's done bloody wrong,'' Barilaro told media yesterday.

``He puts his business, his reputation, that business' reputation at risk, [plus] the sector, the broader economy, jobs, the health of this state.''

Barilaro said NSW health authorities would consider beefing up penalties.

Police Minister David Elliott described the breach as baffling.

``It is a terrible start to the police week . . . and it is baffling that somebody would breach it so badly,'' he said yesterday. — AAP