Dubbo businesses are being warned they must follow the NSW government's COVID safety warnings and public health orders or risk a penalty of up to $55,000.
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The Dubbo region has a mere 39 registered COVID safe businesses, the NSW Department of Customer Service reports.
Registering is a crucial second step in compliance, to be done after downloading a COVID safety plan.
Within the tally of 39, the top five industries by registration were sports, recreation and gyms with five registrations, restaurants and cafes with four, caravan and camping with four, arts and entertainment with three, and hotels and accommodation with three, the department reported.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian has expressed concerns about a lack of compliance in NSW in some hospitality venues, in particular cafes and restaurants, including basic issues like "sharing a salt and pepper shaker".
While more than 117,500 COVID safety plans have been downloaded in less than a month, she said 10,500 businesses - less than 10 per cent - had followed up with the necessary registration.
"While communities embrace the easing of restrictions and we kick start the economy, safety must come first and businesses cannot be complacent," Ms Berejiklian said.
"Whether it's a café, construction business, cinema or sports club, all organisations must ensure the safety of staff and customers."
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello signalled the government would be cracking down.
"Our focus in June was on educating industry; while our focus in July will be on compliance," he said.
He said there was help and assistance available for businesses.
"Downloading an industry specific safety plan and registering as COVID Safe is simple and can be done online," he said.
"Service NSW can help with any questions.
"Customers are encouraged to give feedback to businesses."
Any business found in breach will be held to account and could face a penalty of up to $55,000 or an on the spot fine of $5000.
Breach of orders made under the Public Health Act 2010 is a criminal offence and attracts heavy penalties. In the case of any business, the maximum penalty is $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty may apply for each day the offence continues.
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
