More than 2,200 businesses have been targeted for COVIDSafe compliance checks so far this month, with one third found to be non-compliant with Chief Health Officer Directions.
Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Danny Pearson said most non-compliant businesses were in hospitality with breaches ranging from not having COVID-19 safety signage up and not adhering to density quotients to not having QR code check-in systems in place.
“All businesses have a responsibility to provide a COVIDSafe environment for their workers and customers – and we’ll be checking up on them to make sure they know their obligations and are doing the right thing,” Mr Pearson said.
“If a business is not following the rules, then they can expect a visit from our Authorised Officers and enforcement action including on-the-spot fines or temporary closures,” he said.
“Every workplace must be making every effort to have a government approved QR Code system working, COVID safety signage up and stick to their density limits – to help us all stay safe and stay open.”
Mr Pearson said COVID-19 compliance and enforcement efforts would be ramped up across hospitality, retail, ride share and other businesses.
The Minister said businesses in St Kilda, South Melbourne, Brunswick, Geelong, Sunshine, Melbourne’s CBD and Docklands had been issued fines ranging from $1,652 to $9,913.
“In addition to fines since 1 May, over 200 enforcement notices have been issued including 59 written warnings, eight verbal warnings and 136 improvement notices issued for COVID non-compliance,” he said.
“Businesses repeatedly breaking the rules can be issued with an additional fine of $9,913 or a prohibition notice shutting them down.”
Mr Pearson said repeat offenders could also face prosecution in court for continued, blatant or wilful non-compliance with the rules.
He said COVID-19 safety breaches could be reported to the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398, WorkSafe’s advisory line on 1800 136 089 or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
