Tara Murray
A St Albans business is among seven businesses that have been shut down in the last three months as part of a crackdown on COVIDSafe compliance.
Authorised Officers have visited 22,000 businesses over the past three months, handing out 17 infringements totalling $52,867 and issued a further 275 written warnings, 598 improvement notices and 40 COVID-19 notices for non-compliance with the chief health officer’s (CHO) directions.
As part of the crackdown, a retail store in St Albans was shut down for unauthorised trading during lockdown.
The government’s on-the-ground engagement team will continue to visit businesses to ensure they understand their obligations and help them to become compliant.
As part of the crackdown, officers are checking that businesses are using the QR code check-in system.
Community complaints made about businesses failing to comply with CHO directions will be followed up and those businesses can expect a visit from surveillance or authorised officers.
Acting Police and Emergency Services Minister Danny Pearson said the directions were in place to keep everyone safe.
“QR Code check-in data is so important for our contact tracers to get on top of outbreaks quickly and there is no excuse for failing to keep these details if you are required to do so,” Mr Pearson said.
“This is a warning to all businesses – if you flagrantly breach the rules, we will not hesitate to issue fines or even shut you down to protect public safety.”
COVID-19 safety breaches can be reported to the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398, WorkSafe’s advisory line on 1800 136 089 or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
