Pub in Sydney hotspot fined $5000 over multiple coronavirus safety breaches

The Auburn Hotel in Sydney's west has been fined $5000 for coronavirus safety breaches after patrons were found sitting too closely at poker machines.

Plain clothes officers went to the pub on Saturday night and found the register guests were asked to sign was full of fake names and phone numbers missing digits.

In the pokies room, gamblers were sitting side-by-side and the venue's COVID-safe plan was insufficient, according to authorities.

The Auburn Hotel in Sydney's west has been fined $5000 for breaching coronavirus protocols. (Google Maps)

"In addition, the pub wasn't registered as a COVID-safe business and was not creating a digital record of its customers," Liquor and Gaming NSW Director of Compliance, Dimitri Argeres, said.

"This really isn't good enough, especially as Auburn Hotel is in Sydney's west which is currently linked to a number of COVID cases.

"No premises should be willing to risk its ability to continue trading, least of all in areas where clusters are appearing."

For the first breach of a public health order venues can be fined $5000. 

They will be forced to close for a week for a second offence, and a third breach could see them shut down for a month.

On Friday night police found more than 30 "young people" not abiding to social distancing rules.

At the weekend NSW Police shut down an illegal party in Sydney's west, and intend to issue at least $60,000 worth of fines.

Beyond Blue's Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is a 24/7 service free of charge to all Australians. Visit the site here or call 1800512348

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