No more gun sales as Victorian coronavirus cases rise above 900

Victorians will no longer be able to buy guns or ammunition and a Melbourne bar has been fined almost $10,000 for breaching social-distancing rules as authorities crack down in a bid to limit to spread of COVID-19.

Police have warned they will take a harder line issuing penalties, as Victoria enters stage three of its response to the coronavirus crisis.



Since Monday, there have been 96 new cases of coronavirus cases in Victoria, bringing the total to 917. The death toll remains at four.

People can no longer by guns or ammunition in Victoria, effective immediately, for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency.

The new regulations are aimed at stemming the sale of firearms and ammunition in Victoria, which have spiked amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Applications for firearms have doubled recently, police said.

"There is no need to be stockpiling firearms," Victoria Police deputy commissioner Shane Patton said.

New laws will restrict the sale of ammunition and guns for recreational and sport shooters.

Those with a clear "occupational" need for firearms can still access guns and ammunition for these purposes.

From Tuesday, Victorians can be fined if they leave home for any reason that is not essential.

Police issued their first on the spot fine – almost $10,000 – on Monday
for a business not following coronavirus guidelines.

"Victoria Police will now be able to implement and issue on-the-spot fines and any other measures [they see fit]," Police Minister Lisa Neville said.

"Unless you are getting medical help, unless you are getting food and essential services, unless you are attending for work and education [where you can not do that from home] and unless you are exercising you must stay home.

"People will not get the leniency we have seen in the past … if you can stay home you must stay home."

Ms Neville said people should notify police if they see people breaching the rules.

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