Move FM Regional news

With the easing of restrictions and the reopening of pubs and clubs, New South Wales Police have begun a month-long campaign to ensure social distancing is being complied with at licensed venues.

As of Monday pubs and clubs will be allowed to cater for up to 50 people in each of their main areas. This inlcudes bars and gaming areas. Customers however will be required to buy a meal.

The police campaign to be known as Operation Pariac will involve general duties and specialist licensing police in the Northern, Southern and Western Regions.

The aim of the operation is to educate as well as to ensure compliance with social-distancing regulations.

Police will also be targeting alcohol-related crime, including assaults, anti-social behaviour and public order incidents.

Operation Pariac Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM, said as restrictions continue to ease, venues and patrons need to be aware of their responsibilities to maintain a COVID-safe environment.

“From today, the movement of people across the state will start to increase dramatically, as thousands of people head to regional communities to inject much needed tourism dollars,” he said Monday.

“Police will be conducting random checks and patrols of licensed venues throughout our regions, with the ability for resources to be shared amongst police districts where the demand is needed particularly across the Queen’s Birthday long weekend (Saturday 6 June Monday 8 June 2020).

“Operation Pariac, as part of a Vikings operation, will see officers working closely with industry and business owners to ensure they are able to operate safe environments for their customers, while making the public feel confident about returning to a COVID-safe venue,” the assistant commissioner said.

“Whether you’re heading to a winery in the Hunter Valley, a bar at Byron Bay, a pub on the bushfire-hit South Coast, or an RSL in drought-impacted areas out west licensees and patrons alike need to be aware of their surroundings and the strict rules which now apply,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.