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Publican behind NSW ‘freedom hotel’ to face court over alleged Covid-19 breaches

Catie McLeodNCA NewsWire
Not Supplied
Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: Supplied

The publican at the helm of a “freedom hotel” in regional NSW will face court over alleged repeat breaches of Covid-19 health orders.

The Caledonian Hotel in Singleton, in the Hunter Valley, was shut down by police on Saturday after the 57-year-old licensee allegedly refused to prevent unvaccinated people from entering.

Police on Monday issued the man with a court attendance notice.

He has been charged with two counts of not comply with noticed Covid-19 direction and is due to appear at Singleton Local Court on December 2.

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The George St pub has made a name for itself for its owner’s apparent opposition to vaccination and by continuing to allegedly defy public health orders.

Signs hung at the front of the premises have been emblazoned with “Jab or no jab – all welcome at the Cali” and “United we stand or divided we fall. Free Australia”.

The Caledonian Hotel in Singleton was shut down over alleged Covid-19 breaches. Picture: Supplied via Twitter
Camera IconThe Caledonian Hotel in Singleton was shut down over alleged Covid-19 breaches. Supplied via Twitter Credit: Supplied

Administrators of the pub’s Facebook page have aired claims about “segregation” and “discrimination” regarding the NSW coronavirus rules that ban unvaccinated people from eating and drinking at venues until December 1.

“The Cali or as referred to now by many as the FREEDOM HOTEL stands with the millions standing up for Freedom,” a post from October 16 said.

NSW Police said Hunter Valley officers had attended the venue on multiple occasions since October 11 in response to reports of unvaccinated patrons being allowed to freely enter the premises.

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Camera IconNSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller temporarily closed the hotel on Sunday. NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi Credit: News Corp Australia

Police said staff and customers had been warned on multiple occasions, with the licensee and workers issued six penalty infringement notices for breaching the health orders.

The venue remains closed until midnight on Tuesday.

A post made on the hotel’s Facebook page late on Monday night said the pub would reopen for takeaway only from Wednesday.

“The Cali will always be open and welcoming to all,” it said.

Originally published as Publican behind NSW ‘freedom hotel’ to face court over alleged Covid-19 breaches

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