A steakhouse in Civic is the first venue to be penalised for flouting the ACT's COVID-19 distancing rules, and has received a $5,000 fine.It is the first ACT venue to receive an infringement notice for breaching social-distancing laws
Staff tried cancelling bookings but found themselves way over their 12-person limit — with 20 dining in — when police came knocking. "On this particular occasion, there was just a flagrant breach of the health direction," Superintendent Kennedy said. "We're still committed to an engagement and education approach to the greatest extent possible, but it's important that businesses understand action will be taken if they do flout the rules," she said.