An Orange restaurant is under investigation after police found it breached COVID-19 social distancing rules.
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The restaurant did not have a sign-in register, did not have a COVID-19 safety plan and had too many people inside to comply with the requirement of one person per four square metres.
Central West Licensing Supervisor Sergeant Michael Sullivan said the restaurant, which he declined to name, was detected during a police coronavirus operation in Orange last weekend.
One premises is still being investigated.
- Sergeant Michael Sullivan, Licensing Supervisor
And he said police would continue further operations in public premises in Orange to ensure coronavirus rules were followed.
Sergeant Sullivan said premises found in breach of the rules could be issued with a $1000 infringement notice.
He said if the case went to court fines of up $11,000 applied.
"One premises is still being investigated," he said.
Sergeant Sullivan said police would speak to the restaurant operators and explain the coronavirus practices.
However Sergeant Sullivan said police did not want to be heavy-handed.
"We spoke to them [on the night]. You're not going to kick 30 people out in the middle of service," he said.
"It is sensitive. Everyone is trying to do their best."
Sergeant Sullivan said all hotels and clubs inspected in Orange were found to be following the correct rules.
He said they benefited from having over-arching bodies, the Australian Hotels Association and ClubsNSW, who provided plenty of information and assistance on coronavirus restrictions.
Sergeant Sullivan said all restaurants did not have the same help.
"There has been a lack of communication," he said.
Sergeant Sullivan said he expected there would be other cases of restaurants not complying.
"All the hotels have been excellent. Hotels have been turning people away because of the limited numbers [allowed]," he said.
Sergeant Sullivan said two pubs in Orange temporarily shut their doors last Saturday night to meet the rules.