Publication of Closure Order Details

The Department of Health issues closure orders when the Department deems that there is a reasonable risk to public health and safety. This may include:

• Poor food safety standards
• Occupational Health & Safety standards
• Cases involving the illicit sale of tobacco, vapes, or other prohibited products

or else whereas the Department deems it necessary to install a closure order.

A closure order applies to the entire premises identified in the order.

When a closure order is issued:

• A closure notice is placed at or near a main entrance
• The premises must close immediately from the date issued on the notice
• No one may enter the premises whilst the order is in force, except in limited and prescribed circumstances.

There are three types of closure orders:

• Interim closure: Up to 72 hours
• Short-term closure: Up to 31 days
• Long-term Closure: Up to 6 months, if ordered by a court

Note: All dates and times as listed on the closure order are inclusive.

Access to a closed premises is strictly limited. 

Entry is only permitted in highly limited circumstances without prior approval, such as when:

• emergency services are responding to an incident
• authorised persons are carrying out official duties.

These circumstances do not allow any trading or business activity.

All other access requires prior written approval from the Department of Health.

Applying for an exemption

The Department of Health can assess applications for exemptions. An exemption allows a person to access a closed premises for a specific purpose.

• You must obtain written approval before entering.
• A closure order remains in force while any application is being considered.

The following information must be included with an application for an exemption:

• Your full name, date of birth, and contact details. If applying on behalf of an entity, the name of the entity.
• Location of the closed premises.
• Requested date and time of entry to the closed premises.
• Reason why access is being requested, including details of who will attend the premises and what activities will be carried out.
• The applicant’s relationship to the closed premises or the business that was operating from the closed premises (e.g. landlord, business owner). Supporting documentation or evidence of this relationship must be provided.

The information provided will be considered when determining whether the exemption will be made. If approved, strict conditions will apply and must be followed.

To request an exemption, visit your nearest Police Station.

Note: There is no fee or cost involved in applying for an exemption or revocation of a closure order. The Department of Health will never request payment as part of this process. If you receive such a request, do not make any payment and report the matter to your nearest Police Station.

It is an offence to:

• enter or remain on a closed premises
• remove, obscure or interfere with a closure notice
• supply prohibited products from a closed premises.

Significant penalties apply and further compliance action may be taken.

For example, entering a premises while it is closed may lead to fines of up to 50 penalty units for individuals and 100 penalty units for companies in accordance with the Penalty Units Act 2025.

If a closure order applies to your premises:

You must close the premises completely. No one may enter, including owners, staff, or contractors.

Breaching a closure order is an offence and can lead to further enforcement action.

• Entry is not permitted for any purpose, including to prepare or move stock, or to operate the business in any way.
• Access is only allowed with prior written approval from the Department of Health.

Closure notices must remain in place at all times. They must not be removed, damaged or covered. Doing so is an offence and may attract a significant fine.

• Authorised officers may inspect the premises during the closure period.
• A closure order does not end a lease or other contractual arrangements.

Landlords should take reasonable steps to ensure their premises are leased to lawful businesses.

• A closure order does not end a lease or other contractual arrangements. Furthermore, ending a lease does not affect the order.
• Landlords may apply to the Department of Health for approval to access their property during a closure order. Conditions will apply if access is granted.
• Closure order may be varied or revoked where appropriate. They remain in force while any request is being considered.