Police Storm Melbourne Gym That Has Been Open During State-Wide Lockdown

Victoria Police have stormed a gym that has been operating, despite the state being in the middle of a five-day Stage 4 lockdown.

Dozens of officers rocked up to the Campbellfield gym in Melbourne's north to investigate reports it had kept its doors open to people since Friday (February 12).

They found the business was operating as normal, despite gyms being told they had to shut up shop for five days.

The co-owner of the gym said the snap lockdown would cripple the business after a difficult 2020 and rocky start to 2021.

"We can't afford to close the gym so we've been trading as per normal during the lockdown," Al Pope told 9News.

"Today the police came in numbers and closed us down and arrested my partner. I did a hard year last year...simply can't afford to close."

He revealed around 175 people came to exercise over the course of yesterday and no masks were worn.

Premier Daniel Andrews said that under the lockdown rules people must wear masks everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, except for in their homes.

When police arrived yesterday afternoon (16 February), some people refused to leave and stayed until the business was closed down.

Mr Pope confirmed the business was fined due to the breach, but he has no intention of paying it.

The lockdown rules stipulated that any business caught breaking the lockdown rules could cop a fine of up to $10,000.

Victoria Police has released a statement about the incident.

"As part of Operation Sentinel patrols, police attended a gym on Sydney Road this afternoon following reports the gym was in operation and in breach of the directions issued by the Chief Health Officer," authorities said.

"Three men were arrested at the scene all of which will be issued penalty notices in relation to breaching CHO directions."

Featured Image Credit: 9News

Topics: Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

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