Three men from Sydney were fined for breaking public health orders after police found them near Perisher Valley on Monday, 28 June. Photo: Kim Treasure.
Police have fined several Sydney residents after they were found 500km from their homes in the Snowy Mountains during the current COVID-19 lockdown in the city.
Monaro Police said penalty infringement notices (PINs) were recently issued to five people for failing to comply with public health orders (PHOs) that prevent residents from the Greater Sydney region from leaving their area without a reasonable excuse.
Three men – aged 34, 37 and 38 – from Sydney were stopped and fined by police near Perisher Valley on Monday, 28 June, while a 28-year-old woman and 40-year-old man from Sydney’s eastern suburbs were handed PINs on Tuesday, 29 June.
Monaro Police District Commander Superintendent John Klepczarek said now is not the time for people in locked-down areas to be travelling to southern NSW.
“If you are from an area covered under the public health order, you cannot leave your home without a valid reason,” he said.
“Going on holiday is not a valid reason.”
But visitors are not the only ones breaching restrictions, with several Snowy Mountains licensees issued with fines for licensing breaches and COVID-19 non-compliance.
Police alleged a licensing breach was found during an inspection of a motel in Thredbo Village on 19 June, and that the business owner also allegedly failed to comply with a noticed direction.
On Tuesday, 29 June, the licensee was issued with two infringements.
Police also allege a hotel in Jindabyne failed to comply with conditions of its liquor licence on 16 June, and the licensee was fined.
Additionally, infringements were issued to the licensee of another hotel in Jindabyne after allegedly intoxicated patrons were at the venue on 16 June.
Monaro Police said the five people from Sydney were detected as part of Operation Snow Safe’s liquor licensing enforcement checks that aimed to deter antisocial behaviour, as well as ensure people adhere to the current health directives.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19 restrictions can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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