Man charged with assault, woman fined for not wearing a mask at the Organic Store in Bowral

About 12:15pm on July 1 officers attached to the Hume Police District attended the Organic Store on Bowral Street, Bowral, following reports that staff and customers were not complying with Public Health Orders.

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Police observed employees and customers not wearing a face mask while inside the premises and spoke with the manager, a 62-year-old woman.

She stated that she had no intentions of complying with the current orders and was arrested after refusing to provide police her details.

A female customer, aged 61, entered the store not wearing a face mask. Police requested the woman put a mask on or leave the store, but she refused.

The employee intervened, demanding police leave and both women were arrested.

As officers escorted the women outside to a police vehicle, they were confronted by a man who yelled at officers before pulling down the face mask of a sergeant.

The 63-year-old man was also arrested and all three were taken to Southern Highlands Police Station.

In an update, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said the excuse used for not wearing a mask was "simply that they had no belief in the wearing of masks or the order".

He said "they [had] absolutely no intention at all in complying with the order".

"It's not on, police took suitable action, police went to that location as a result of community concern.

"It was... a number of people in the community who alerted police to that instance, and police went there and took action."

The man was charged with assault officer in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty and incite to resist/hinder police officer in execution duty.

He was given conditional bail to appear at Moss Vale Local Court on August 3.

The two women were later released with the younger woman issued a $200 PIN for not wear fitted face covering when in indoor area of retail/business premises.

Further charges and infringements are expected with inquiries continuing into additional Public Health Order breaches.

In total, 75 PINs were issued across NSW yesterday with 46 $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.

Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

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