Cardiff business fined $5000 for breaching coronavirus conditions

It came as Hunter police continued proactive patrols across the region's beaches, shopping centres and other public places - talking to people about the restrictions and how they apply.

The region's first business owner to receive a fine was from Asian Remedial Massage at Cardiff.

The 57-year-old owner was fined $5000 on Wednesday afternoon for continuing to operate despite a NSW government directive that massage parlours be among the vast range of businesses that had to close until further notice.

Lake Macquarie police attended the Harrison Street premises after receiving information the business was continuing to run.

Police said officers saw several customers enter and leave the premises before they fined the woman.

Since March 17, police have issued two Court Attendance Notices for breaching the Public Health Act in NSW.

Crime Stoppers has received 3200 reports related to COVID-19 since then, and police have conducted more than 3900 compliance checks across the state.

Officers have also handed out 30 Penalty Infringement Notices (on-the-spot fines) for failing to comply with a ministerial direction.

Of these, 27 were issued to individuals and three to business owners.

Meanwhile, a 21-year-old was fined $1000 after he was found sitting on a public bench in Market Street, Newcastle, eating a kebab.

Police warned the man twice and fined him after they found him ignoring the direction to move on for a third time.

A NSW Police statement on Thursday said Commissioner Mick Fuller would review every coronavirus-related fine to ensure each was the most appropriate course of action.

Commissioner Fuller will also review how the new legislation was being applied across the state each day, NSW Police said.

"I am on the record that NSW Police force continues to use discretion in applying these regulations and the community must continue to work with police and the government to ensure the safety of everyone in NSW," Commissioner Fuller said on Wednesday.

Newcastle City police commander Superintendent Brett Greentree told the Herald earlier this week police were focused on "working with the community and educating the community", rather than fining people - though police would hand out financial penalties if necessary.

"The fines are there if needed. And we will use them for those who won't comply," he said.

"Because at the end of the day the restrictions are placed upon everybody for a reason and that is for the protection of ourselves and each other."

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