NSW businesses are on notice to comply with the State’s public health orders, or risk a fine or closure, with restrictions around “higher risk” activities coming into effect.
From today the following rules are in force:
- Compliance measures introduced to pubs will be extended to restaurants, bars cafés and clubs. This includes:
- Limiting group bookings to a maximum of 10 people;
- Mandatory COVID-Safe plans and registration as a COVID-Safe business;
- A digital record must be created within 24 hours.
- Weddings and corporate events are limited to 150 people subject to the four square metre rule and registration of the venue as a COVID-Safe business. Strict COVID-Safe plans must be in place and high-risk activities including choirs and dancing must not occur; and
- Funerals and places of worship are limited to 100 people, subject to the four square metre rule and a COVID-Safe business registration for the venue.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said inspectors will be regularly on the beat to enforce compliance.
“Any business found blatantly breaking the rules will have the book thrown at them. We won’t be listening to any excuses,” Mr Dominello said.
“Businesses that aren’t serious about safety should not be in business. Those who disregard the restrictions should expect a visit from an inspector.
“We also encourage customers to report wrongdoing. We have a shared responsibility to ensure NSW remains safe.”
The NSW Government has made it easy for business by providing industry relevant COVID-Safe plans online.
“Registering your business is simple and can be done online at www.nsw.gov.au,” Mr Dominello said.
The rules on gatherings remain the same: 20 guests inside the home and 20 for gatherings in a public place. However, as the home is a high transmission area, the NSW Chief Health Officer strongly recommends a COVID-Safe precautionary approach of limiting visitors to the home to 10 people as a general principle.
The Public Health Order can be found here: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-160.pdf