A NSW Snowy Mountains restaurant will be closed for a week over COVID-19 safety breaches, the second venue in NSW to have had the penalty imposed.
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In a Thursday media release, Liquor & Gaming NSW stated four visits by authorities over July and September to The Rivers Restaurant in Thredbo found multiple breaches.
Liquor & Gaming stated the breaches related to patron numbers exceeding the venue capacity per square metre, a lack of spacing between seated patrons, mingling between tables and in queues, and alcohol being consumed while standing.
"This venue has consistently failed to maintain COVID safety standards and has not complied with its own COVID safety plan," Liquor & Gaming director of compliance Dimitri Argeres said.
"Police officers and Liquor & Gaming inspectors observed situations where the venue was repeatedly over capacity, groups were seated almost back to back, and queues of up to 30 people stood shoulder to shoulder.
"They also observed patrons drinking shots at the bar and consuming liquor while standing.
"First the venue was warned, then its manager and event promoter were fined $5000 each.
"After finding yet more breaches on the fourth visit, it was clear that the ongoing operation of the premises presented a clear and significant risk to public health."
Liquor & Gaming stated The Rivers Restaurant is the state's second venue to be closed for a week, starting from Friday, after last month's closure of Unity Hall Hotel in Rozelle for a series of similar breaches.
The Rivers Restaurant will be closed for seven days from 5am Friday, September 25
