A Victorian business has been fined almost $10,000 for not following social-distancing guidelines.

The licensed venue in Fitzroy was hit with a $9913 fine after police found six staff serving two customers drinks on Saturday night.

Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton told reporters on Tuesday the venue was being treated as “open for business”.

“Unless you’re living under a rock, or unless you’re an idiot, it’s quite clear the restrictions are there, the restrictions are to be abided by,” he said.

It is the first on-the-spot fine issued by Victoria Police for breaching social-distancing measures.

‘People must comply’

“That’s a really big hit, and we know that that is a significant fine, especially in these times when businesses are struggling,” Patton said.

“But people must comply with these restrictions and that’s why we’ve brought these in.

“It’s the first time we’ve issued an infringement but it won’t be the last, I can assure you.”

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As of Tuesday, Victorians may only go out of their homes to buy essentials, exercise, or go to work or study if they can’t do it from home.

And even when staying home, gatherings of more than two people who are not part of the household are an offence.

Premier Daniel Andrews warned Victorians they will be punished if they flout the latest restrictions on outdoor gatherings of more than two people.

“Victoria Police will not hesitate to take action against you,” Andrews said on Monday.

FILE IMAGE. Victorians have been warned Victoria Police will not be lenient if guidelines are ignored. Credit: Getty

Playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms are also closed under the restrictions.

To ensure Victorians comply with the restrictions in place, on-the-spot fines of $1652 for individuals and $9913 for businesses apply.

“We’ve been fairly lenient in enforcement of that, in that we’ve issued a lot of warnings, a lot of verbal discussions with people,” Patton said on Tuesday.

“But I think now, as has been indicated, the time for that has passed.”

Larger fines can also be issued through the courts.

Total cases set to hit 1000

The tightening of measures that forced many businesses to shut down is part of restrictions aimed at flattening the deadly coronavirus curve.

The state confirmed 96 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, bringing the tally to 917.

Four people in the state have died from the virus.

The cases continue to grow at around 10 per cent but down from a previous high of 25 per cent, Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said.

‘Time to act’

He was cautiously optimistic about how the crisis is developing.

“We can cap cases in Australia to 10,000 to 15,000,” he said.

“The alternative is hundreds of thousands and that means hundreds of deaths or thousands of deaths.

“So to save hundreds and thousands of lives, this is the time to act.”

- with 7NEWS