Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton told 3AW on Friday morning more than $100,000 worth of fines had been handed out to 47 staff and community members over three days.
“(Mr Andrews) has been arrested and bailed to court with conditions not to breach the chief health officer directions and not to incite others to do so on social media,” Mr Patton said.
“On three different days he had a number of different people in there, totalling 54 all up, claiming to have permission through Commonwealth law which is just not the case.
“He’s copped two lots of fines totalling nearly $22,000 for himself and he’s still got other charges pending before the court for the third breach.”
Under Victoria’s lockdown, hospitality venues are allowed to open for takeaway services only.
On July 18, Mr Andrews posted on Facebook that he was opening his business, receiving hundreds of messages of support as well as backlash from people raising health concerns.
“I have made the decision that I am opening my hotel, The Pastoral Hotel Echuca for full dining services in the bistro and bar,” he wrote.
“With a CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEE OF 1946 SECTION 51.23a I am legally and lawfully allowed to operate my business without interference from any government authorities.”
A GoFundMe page was set up on Thursday night by a Kanyapella woman with a fundraising goal of $25,000, to help cover the cost of the fine.
Mr Andrews has been bailed to face Echuca Magistrates’ Court on December 14.
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