KFC takeout order leads to $18,000 coronavirus fine in Australia

By RACHEL WOLF

Published: JULY 12, 2020 19:11

An illuminated sign stands atop a KFC outlet in the Sydney suburb of Villawood April 27, 2012 (photo credit: REUTERS/TIM WIMBORNE) — An illuminated sign stands atop a KFC outlet in the Sydney suburb of Villawood April 27, 2012

(photo credit: REUTERS/TIM WIMBORNE)

According to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus map, as of Saturday, Australia has had 9,553 cases of the virus since the beginning of the crisis, including 107 deaths.

A group celebrating a birthday ordered 20 take-out meals from a KFC in a suburb of Melbourne at 1:30 a.m. and ended up with a fine of more than AU$26,000 ($18,000), international media reported.

Each of the 16 people ordered was fined AU$1,652 ($1,150), according to boston.com, citing Belinda Batty, a media officer for the Victoria Police.

Two ambulance workers were in the KFC at the time and noticed the unusually large order, made even stranger by the fact that the area was under lockdown following a spike in coronavirus cases. The workers tipped off police who followed the order and found people hiding around a townhouse, including under beds, according to The Guardian.

That type of behavior “is absolutely ridiculous... and it’s a very expensive night,” The Guardian quoted Victoria Police chief commissioner Shane Patton as saying. “That’s $26,000 that birthday party is costing them. That’s a heck of a birthday party to recall and they’ll remember that one for a long time.”

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Victoria Police have issued 60 fines in the 24 hours after coronavirus restrictions came into effect in the area on Wednesday, July 8 at 11:59 p.m.

Four sex workers were also fined at a brothel, according to international media. Additionally, a couple who attempted to go to their vacation home was fined as well.

According to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus map, as of Saturday, Australia has had 9,553 cases of the virus since the beginning of the crisis, including 107 deaths.