'We'll be out there': Top cop's $1000 warning to the unvaccinated
The NSW Police Commissioner had a stern warning for those who are unvaccinated trying to get into venues they are barred from, as the state exits more than 100 days of lockdown.
Speaking on Sunrise this morning, Commissioner Mick Fuller said officers would be out on Monday enforcing health orders across NSW, ready to support small businesses that have reopened.
"We realise that this will be a challenge for them – although it's an exciting time – to deal with people who are potentially not double vaccinated," he said.
"We want to be there to respond to any calls of assistance if we see any unlawful behaviour and we're certainly calling for the public to show a great deal of compassion today as business reopens in what's been a challenging 20 months."
Vaccinated people are now able to enjoy freedoms while those who aren't double vaccinated will have to wait at least until December 1.
Gyms, cafes, restaurants, pools, shops, hairdressers and beauticians will reopen from Monday for those who have had both doses of the vaccine.
More than 70 per cent of people in NSW are double-dosed, while 90.3 per cent of people over the age of 16 have had one shot.
Comm Fuller warned there would be hefty fines for unvaccinated people who cause a scene at a venue.
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He urged owners of a business, or staff, to call the police if someone gets angry over the government's rules barring unvaccinated people from a venue or business.
"It's $1,000 fine to be out unvaccinated in that type of new environment and we will be issuing fines," he said on Sunrise.
"We really want to be out there helping small business to promote being open, promote Sydney opening again, certainly, but if people think that we're not enforcing the health orders this this week, then they are mistaken."
He acknowledged there are several shopping centres and larger establishments which have the resources to deal with unruly behaviour, but there are smaller venues and businesses which might not be used to facing animosity.
"We're hoping we don't see bad behaviour from individuals, we want to be there to respond to support business," Comm Fuller said.
While Monday brings some freedoms for those who are fully-vaccinated, there are still some rules that have to be followed — like wearing a face mask and checking in.
Comm Fuller said there will still be officers out there making sure people are following the rules.
"We're not out of the pandemic yet. I think we can all see the light at the end of the tunnel finally, thank goodness, but we still need to enforce the health orders that are in place," he said.
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