TWO warnings and a fine have been handed to businesses in the New England North West during random COVID-19 safety checks by SafeWork NSW inspectors.
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The majority - about 91 per cent - of the 46 businesses across the region who had been inspected so far were found to be doing the right thing.
But, Minister for Better Regulation and Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson confirmed on Thursday two warnings had been issued for non-compliance and one fine had been handed out.
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A cafe in Tamworth was given a warning after it was found to be using a COVID-19 safety plan for a shopping centre and breaking rules around record-keeping and social distancing.
"Perhaps, in this instance, the cafe thought the shopping centre had taken care of their COVID-19 safety plan," Mr Anderson said.
"That's not the case. Each business ... needs to ensure they have their own COVID-19 safety plan."
Another warning was issued to a merchant in Inverell.
The Leader previously reported Tamworth Services Club had been slapped with a $5000 fine in July.
Mr Anderson said spot-check inspections had been focused on smaller shops and hospitality businesses - not large retailers - because "that's where people gather".
He said SafeWork NSW, along with NSW Police, would continue "dropping in" on local stores as the pandemic continues.
"You break the rules at your peril ... businesses that think they might cut a few corners and get away with not implementing a COVID-19 safety plan, think again."
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
