Three Queensland nightclubs that ignored the state’s COVID-19 dancing ban have been fined $6670 and warned they could be shut down.
Photos and videos have revealed packed dancefloors at two Fortitude Valley clubs on the weekend of July 3 and 4.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said: “In the past week, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation has issued two infringement notices to venues who were operating dancefloors, despite clear advice from authorities that this was not permitted under stage 3.
“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 dancefloor.
“Insufficient action was taken by security or venue management to stop it and subsequently both licensees received a $6670 fine.
“Authorities won’t be afraid to keep enforcing these rules, both to protect public health and the thousands of jobs supported by Queensland‘s hospitality industry.”
Long, packed queues have also been photographed outside numerous Brisbane nightclubs.
The Courier Mail reports a third club in Cairns has been fined for not complying with the dancing ban.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said: “The rules are simple – no dancing. It is very clear that dancing is not conducive to social distancing measures and will increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.”
Venues are facing tough battles to enforce the dancing ban. The Courier-Mail reports: “Ric’s Backyard security guards repeatedly warned and eventually ejected revellers from the venue who were determined to dance.”
And: “Retro’s bar staff patrolled a deserted dancefloor, swiftly and mercilessly removing anyone disobeying COVID laws. ‘I just want to dance,’ one man yelled as he was escorted from Retro’s by security.”
Liquor and Gaming Commissioner Victoria Thomson said the only people allowed to dance in public in Queensland were those involved in “an adult entertainment performance, with physical distancing between the performer and the patron” or “to facilitate a structured exercise class”.
Lake Jindabyne Hotel becomes first pub in NSW to be shut down by police for COVID-19 breaches.
