One customer deliberately coughed in the face of a checkout operator when they were refused a refund they were not entitled to.

“Unfortunately, there have now also been incidents in which retail staff and transport staff have also been subjected to this disgusting dangerous behaviour, and it will not be tolerated,” Mr Hazzard said.
Staff at a supermarket in Mount Druitt reported a customer deliberately coughed in the face of a checkout operator when they were refused a refund they were not entitled to.
At a grocery store in Vincentia on the south coast an aggressive customer spat in the mouth of a senior staff member who had come to the aid of a young worker.
Bernie Smith, State Secretary of the SDA, the union for retail, fast food and warehouse workers welcomed the $5000 fine as a clare sign that the community had a zero tolerance policy for these “vile attacks”.
“Our members are working pretty hard in a stressful environment, keeping us all fed and this disgusting behaviour is quite distressing,” Mr Smtih said.
He described a “young bloke” working at a supermarket on the central coast being coughed on at the front of the store as he was trying to direct customers to adhere to social distancing.
At a Bega supermarket, a group of boys walked through the isles coughing and spitting at staff.
“They might think it’s funny but it isn’t … this is assault,” Mr Smith said.
Mr Smith said perpetrators likely fell into two groups: those who were mentally ill or drug affected, and those who were taking out their frustrations on workers or thought the behaviour was funny.
Mr Hazzard said the intent of the fine was not to disadvantage people who had mental health issues.
“I’m sure they would be accommodated through sensible policing, and there are safeguards in place if they need to have their case reviewed,” he said.
David Babineau, Secretary of the Tram and Bus Division of the Rail, Tram & Bus Union of NSW, said people who were just trying to do their jobs were being spat on.
“Frankly, it’s disgusting in any circumstance but in the middle of the current health crisis it cannot be tolerated,” Mr Babineua said.
“Everyone has the right to go home safely from work and not wonder if they are bringing a potentially fatal disease home to their loved ones.”
Members of the public can report incidents to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000.