An Echuca pub owner has been charged with breaching directions of Victoria's Chief Health Officer after allegedly allowing dine-in patrons during the lockdown.
He was also fined more than $22,000 for breaching Victoria's COVID-19 restrictions.
Officers attended the Pastoral Hotel on Wednesday night and arrested Trevor Andrews, who was was taken to the Echuca Police Station where he was charged and bailed.
"They had about 10 police officers and three health inspectors with them," Mr Andrews said.
'They don't understand'
Mr Andrews said he would "most definitely" be fighting the charges.
"Not one politician has had a pay cut since the COVID started, they don't understand what it's like to be in business," he said.
Mr Andrews posted to social media earlier this week saying he had "constitutional rights" that allowed him to open.
He said he stayed open during previous lockdowns and kept the bar open.
The hotel is now only serving food to customers by takeaway and delivery, in line with the restrictions.
"Someone put up a photo of me with Ned Kelly — I thought it was great," he said.
Mr Andrews is set to appear in the Echuca Magistrates Court in December.
