Liquor & Gaming NSW has launched an investigation into the Golden Sheaf Hotel at Double Bay after photos emerged showing people queueing tightly outside the Eastern Suburbs pub last night.

NSW Police were called to the hotel at around 9pm on Wednesday night, where they helped security to cut down the queue and move people on. After a walkthrough of the premises, police deemed the Golden Sheaf Hotel was complying with restrictions.

However, Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors have again today contacted the hotel’s management to investigate the issue further.

“We are treating this matter extremely seriously. Venues should be aware that Liquor & Gaming NSW conducts both overt and covert inspections to check for compliance with COVID restrictions,” Liquor & Gaming NSW Director of Compliance Operations, Dimitri Argeres said.

“With the potential for new cases of COVID 19 to emerge in NSW, we need all businesses including hotels and clubs to be constantly vigilant in checking that patrons are observing the rules.

“Under the NSW public health orders, hotels must have a COVID safe plan which must be enforced at each premises and include measures to manage gatherings that may occur outside the venue.

“While our inspections have shown that the vast majority of venues are complying, those caught doing the wrong thing face significant penalties.”

Justine Baker, a chief executive at the Solotel Group which operates the Golden Sheaf, said the venue would employ extra staff and security to keep the queue numbers down to 20 at a time.

“We take the safety of our guests and staff very seriously, which is why we will now be taking bookings only on Wednesday nights from 8pm,” Baker said in a statement.

“We are practising strict social distancing and COVID hygiene and safety procedures. We abide by NSW Health Guidelines throughout all of our venues, including the Golden Sheaf. All of our staff are inducted into the new COVID hygiene practices as a mandatory.”

Refusing or failing to comply with the public health orders can result in fines of up to $11,000 for individuals and up to $55,000 for businesses.