POLICE are drawing their attention to pubs and clubs as COVID-19 regulations relax across the Riverina.
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Operation Pariac, while typically a reoccurring operation looking at responsible service of alcohol and licensed premises' patron compliance, will now turn its focus to venues' compliance with social distancing and the Public Health Order.
Running throughout the month of June, Operation Pariac Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell, said venues and patrons need to be aware of their responsibilities to maintain a COVID-safe environment.
"From today, the movement of people across the state will start to increase dramatically, as thousands of people head to regional communities to inject much needed tourism dollars," he said.
"Police will be conducting random checks and patrols of licensed venues throughout our regions, with the ability for resources to be shared amongst police districts where the demand is needed - particularly across the Queen's Birthday long weekend."
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Riverina Police District Commander Superintendent Bob Noble said the opening of pubs and clubs was a positive step for supporting the community both socially and economically.
"It allows us to socialise and get together in a more traditional sense, and it is good for businesses to generate income and support staff, but we can't treat this as a green light," he said.
"It is more like an amber light, we should proceed with caution."
Superintendent Noble said the operation was not about enforcement for enforcement's sake, but rather about "compliance, safety and health".
"It will be lead by our licensing police in the Riverina Police District, but all uniformed and plain clothed officers will be in and around those licensed premises making sure, firstly, customers, and secondly, venues, are doing the right thing," he said.
Assistant Commissioner Mitchell reminded patrons to be responsible.
"Whether you're heading to a winery in the Hunter Valley, a bar at Byron Bay, a pub on the bushfire-hit South Coast, or an RSL in drought-impacted areas out west - licensees and patrons alike need to be aware of their surroundings and the strict rules which now apply," he said.