Release: Local cafe & restaurant owners harassed by NSW Police

The Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance today lashed out at reports NSW Police Officers are visiting local Cafes and Restaurants, demanding staff keep a record of customers.

“It’s been reported to our organisation that NSW Police have been visiting local businesses and telling shop owners & staff members that they must keep a record of name and a mobile number or email address for all staff, dine-in customers and contractors for a period of at least 28 days.” Said Brian Marlow, Executive Director of the Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance.

“Not only is it an egregious breach of basic civil liberties to send cops into Australian businesses demanding personal information, it’s a waste of police resources. Cops have better things to do than go around hassling local businesses.”“We’re calling on Gladys Berejiklian to put a stop to this ridiculous use of law enforcement. Local businesses have already been slammed by lockdowns, with many barely keeping afloat. To add even more layers of bureaucracy, enforced by local police is just shameful.