Disturbing scenes at Adelaide nightclub breaching coronavirus rules
Disturbing footage from a club in Adelaide has emerged, after police slapped the licensed premises with a $5000 fine for a “significant breach” of coronavirus rules.
After a member of the public made a complaint about the venue, an investigation commenced and on Thursday, investigators from the COVID Compliance team issued the fine for breaching the Public Activities Direction.
“Footage obtained shows a complete disregard of the State Coordinators Directions,” South Australia Police said in a statement.
In the video, shared by SA Police, patrons are seen on a crowded dance floor, bumping into one another. The footage was taken on July 24.
“The complete failure of the venue to comply, potentially puts the public at risk and the licensing sector at risk of further restrictions,” the statement continued.
“The venue completely ignored their responsibilities in relation to enforcing physical distancing and operating as a nightclub.”
The establishment has not been named by police, however it is located on Adelaide’s North Terrace.
South Australia deems the operation of a nightclub or a relevant licensed premise ‘defined public activities’, meaning, such venues must have a ‘COVID-Safe’ plan in place and have a density requirement of one person per two square metres.
The COVID Compliance team, attached to SA Police, have referred the breach to the directives to the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, which will assess whether disciplinary action against the licensee is warranted.
South Australia reported just one new coronavirus case on Friday, taking the state’s total to 450 cases overall.
Due to the surge in cases in Victoria, South Australia has tightened restrictions across the state.
Earlier this week, weddings and funerals in South Australia were capped at 100, while private gatherings at homes are now restricted to 50 people.
South Australia has also completely shut its border to Victoria, barring entry to even South Australian residents - only essential workers returning to the state.
JUST IN: Police have slammed a North Terrace nightclub for their “complete disregard” of COVID-19 directions.
CCTV released shows the venue’s dancefloor packed with patrons – the business has been fined $5000 but not shut down.
See the full story, 6.00pm on #9News pic.twitter.com/ZIJKp3qfG3— Nine News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) July 30, 2020
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