Two hospitality businesses fined under Covid-19 rules

Sunday, 27 March 2022

WorkSafe received 157 reports of alleged Covid-19 compliance breaches in the Nelson/Tasman region between December 3 and January 28. (File photo)

Two hospitality businesses in the upper South Island have been fined for breaching Covid-19 compliance – but have not paid their fines.

WorkSafe’s head of general inspectorate Simon Humphries said the agency received 157 reports of alleged breaches across the Nelson Tasman region between December 3 (the first day of the Covid-19 traffic-light framework) and January 28.

Of these, 143 were followed up by inspectors, and resulted in 10 infringement notices to hospitality businesses, Humphries said.

“All of the infringement notices range from $1000 to $4000, and at present no penalties have been paid.”

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the outdoor gathering limits on events will go from March 26, while indoor limits will increase to 200 people. (Video first published on March 23, 2022)

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Businesses have 28 days to pay the fine, after which a reminder notice is issued, which can extend the timeframe, Humphries said. They also have the right to appeal within that 28-day period, he said.

WorkSafe has three Nelson-based inspectors, with others around the country that can travel to the region when required, Humphries said.

WorkSafe approached alleged breaches on a case-by-case basis.

Gathering limit changes will come into effect on March 25 at 11.59pm.

“A risk assessment is done to determine firstly if we will attend, and secondly, what controls will need to be in place if we attend.”

On most occasions, WorkSafe inspectors would warn businesses of a visit, Humphries said.

“…but on rare occasions an inspection will be unannounced and, in these cases, unbranded clothing and vehicles may be used.”

WorkSafe, which is responsible for enforcing Covid-19 legislation in workplaces, released the data following an Official Information Act request.

While Stuff asked for the latest figures, the agency could only provide data to January 28 due to a new reporting system. Updated figures would be released once the agency's systems were up-to-date, Humphries said.

Correction: An earlier version of this story said 10 Nelson businesses had been fined, but in fact 10 infringement notices had been issued to two businesses. Amended 2.10pm, March 28.