Operator News

Australia – The Star Sydney forced to shut for fourth time following latest COVID outbreak

By Phil - 25 June 2021

Star Entertainment has confirmed that it has been forced to suspended almost all operations for at least the next seven days at its The Star Sydney property following new advise announced by the New South Wales government to battle COVID-19.

Matt Bekier, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Star Entertainment Group , said: “The Star references the NSW Government’s announcement of a seven day stay-at-home order that applies to four Local Government Areas (LGAs), including The Star Sydney’s location, and takes effect from 11:59pm on Friday 25 June 2021. The orders also detail that people should only enter the four LGAs for essential purposes.

“The Star Sydney will cease operations, apart from limited hotel facilities, from this time as a result of the orders. These restrictions will remain in place until at least 11:59pm on Friday 2 July 2021. The Star will continue to pay staff during the seven day stay-at-home period. The stay-at-home orders follow the introduction of the 1 person per 4m2 rule, the mandatory wearing of masks, and the implementation of the ‘no drinking while standing’ rule pursuant to public health
orders made on 23 June 2021. The Star remains committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of its team members and guests.”

This is the fourth time The Star Sydney has had to suspend operations or bring in capacity restrictions. The latest outbreak originated from an international flight crew.

Meanwhile, Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors, along with inspectors from Safework NSW and Fair Trading NSW, will be visiting hospitality venues across Sydney to check businesses are complying with the latest COVID-19 Public Health Orders.

Acting Director Compliance Liquor & Gaming NSW Darren Duke said inspectors will be out targeting Bondi and the surrounding areas starting today.

“It is critically important that all people visiting hospitality venues must remember to check-in using the Service NSW QR Code,” Mr Duke said. “The COVID-Safe requirements are in place for an important reason, and all venues need to make sure they are fully compliant.”

Around 40 inspectors will be assessing if venues have COVID Safety Plans in place, are adhering to check-in processes, and ensuring they are respecting the physical distancing and mask wearing requirements.

“Venues not complying with the Public Health Orders pose a clear and significant risk to public health and any venues found breaching the rules may be subject to a fine or in serious cases could face a closure of their venue,” Mr Duke said.

Under the latest orders, staff across all hospitality venues in Greater Sydney must wear a mask when working indoors and the one person per four square metre rule has been reintroduced for all indoor and outdoor settings. Patrons are also required to remain seated while drinking and cannot engage in singing or dancing.

Over the past two months, Liquor & Gaming NSW has conducted over 200 inspections of hospitality venues issuing 14 fines totalling $40,000.