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Bar slapped with $10,000 fine over 'blatant' Covid breach

A bar located on St Kilda's iconic waterfront has been slapped with a fine of more than $10,000 for a "disappointing" Covid-19 breach after hundreds of revellers crammed into the venue for a DJ set.

Victoria Police said there were about 1000 patrons inside the Riva bar despite restrictions limiting capacity to a maximum of 300 people with density limits.

Alarming video shared on social media shows the scores of carefree patrons packed into the venue.

Patrons were pictured in close proximity on Saturday night in several social media posts. Source: Instagram
Patrons were pictured in close proximity on Saturday night in several social media posts. Source: Instagram

Instagram was awash with dozens of posts from revellers sharing photos from inside a heated marquee on the premises, with little sign of social distancing as patrons danced and mingled.

The DJ set from artist Rebuke was a ticketed event organised by Untitled Group, who have been contacted by Yahoo News Australia for comment.

Police were called to the venue after 10pm on Saturday night where they witnessed a "blatant breach of the CHO directions, a police spokesperson said.

Minister 'very disappointed' by breach

Health Minister Martin Foley said he was “very disappointed” such a breach had occurred.

“We know the measures in place are tough but they’re tough for good reason,” he said.

In Metropolitan Melbourne, current restrictions mean dance floors are closed and bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues can only open with seated service.

On Monday Victoria recorded its fifth consecutive day without a new locally acquired case of coronavirus.

Victoria had planned to move out of its remaining COVID restrictions on July 8 but this will now depend on how the latest outbreak in NSW is managed.

The circumstance around the event will be further investigated by the health department.

The bar has received a $10,904 fine.

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