The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) is taking action against a number of venue operators who have breached COVID-19 restrictions.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Yvette D’Ath said that while most venues were doing the right thing, some rogue operators were flouting the rules and potentially endangering the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.
“The vast majority of Queensland licensees did a great job abiding by restrictions during the lockdown period and this has helped put us in the strong position we’re in now,” Ms D’Ath said.
“This great work risks being undone by a small minority who have been taking shortcuts and flouting the rules, potentially endangering other people’s health.”
She said that a week ago OLGR had issued two infringement notices to venues who were operating dance floors, despite clear advice from authorities that this was not permitted under Stage Three restrictions.
“CCTV footage from two nightclubs in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley for the weekend of 3 and 4 July clearly showed patrons dancing on what is normally the venue’s dance floor,” Ms D’Ath said.
“Insufficient action was taken by security or venue management to stop it and subsequently both licensees received a $6,670 fine.”
She said authorities would not be afraid to keep enforcing the rules, both to protect public health and the thousands of jobs supported by Queensland’s hospitality industry.
Minister for Health, Steven Miles said he understood Queenslanders missed their dance floors but it was important to ensure they were protected from COVID-19.
“I’m asking all Queenslanders to please keep socially distanced, practice good hand hygiene, and get tested if you develop any COVID-19 symptoms,” Mr Miles said.
“Dance floors in clubs and pubs might be off limits for now but if we keep up the good work we can return to normal faster.”
