One VERY expensive cappuccino: Man is arrested and fined $5,000 for refusing to wear a mask while drinking coffee in Covid-hit Alice Springs community

Man from Alice Springs has been arrested and fined $5,056 for drinking a coffee
Coffee could be the most expensive brew ever bought and not enjoyed
Hayden Williams, 27, filmed his altercation with the police officers
Mr Williams has a medical condition legally granting him a mask exemption

By Catherine Potter For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 08:06 BST, 6 July 2021 | Updated: 08:59 BST, 6 July 2021

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A man could well have purchased the world's most expensive cup of coffee after police fined him for not wearing a mask while drinking it.

Hayden Williams, 27, a freelance artist, bought a cuppa to support his local café during Covid restrictions in Alice Springs when an altercation with police led to his arrest and a $5,056 fine.

His lawyer Cameron Shamsabad said Mr Williams was confronted by police before he bought his coffee and explained to them he had a medical exemption from wearing a mask.

Hayden Williams, 27 from the Northern Territory was fined by police (pictured) for not wearing a mask despite drinking a coffee and claiming to have a medical exemption

Those suffering from any physical or mental illness that makes wearing a mask unsuitable can get an exemption.

However, three police officers tailed him closely as he walked down the street towards his car while drinking his coffee.

Footage taken on Mr Williams phone records him saying: 'So, I'm just drinking my coffee and these officers have started following me. And harassing me'.

One policeman shouts to Mr Williams 'you need to wear a face mask' before the trio converge to confront him.

The situation escalated quickly after Mr Williams asked for the officers' names and badge numbers.

'I don't have to give you my name,' a policewoman responded, in turn requesting Mr Williams details.

'I do not have to provide my name because I have not committed an offence,' Mr Williams replied.

Mr Williams (pictured above) was arrested and cuffed by three police officers

The officer then tells Mr Williams he is committing an offence by not wearing a mask while drinking his coffee.

'So sir, you are committing an offence,' she said. 'Hey listen, I need you to listen to me.

'Okay, so there's a pandemic going on. This is a very vulnerable community. There's lots of sick people.

'I need you to provide your name and your reason for exemption.'

Mr Williams continued to argue with the officers while still trying to drink his beverage.

'I need you to wear a mask. Okay?' the female officer said.

'If you do not provide your name and wear a mask you will be arrested, all right?'

'I'm drinking a coffee.' Mr Williams responded as he proceeded to walk away.

Mr Williams held on tight to his very expensive coffee, right to the very end of his ordeal

The policewoman then motioned to her fellow officers to arrest Mr Williams, with the men handcuffing him as he maintained grip of his coffee.

The expensive brew was eventually forced from his hand, splattering on the road.

Mr Shamsabad, from Legalbit Lawyers, said in his opinion the situation was legally 'a waste of police resources'.

He admitted that although at the time of the alleged offence Alice Springs had a mask mandate, residents were permitted to leave home to buy food, drink, and other essentials.

Mr Shamsabad Cl 18 of the health direction required mask wearing at all times, subject to seven specific exceptions, one of which he said applied to Mr Williams.

Alice Springs has not recorded one death from Covid-19 with 185 cases and 177 recoveries.

Mask rules state by state

NSW - 'Public Health (Covid-19 Temporary Movement and Gathering Restrictions) Order 2021' at clause 17 requires people wear masks while in indoor public spaces.

Anyone under 12 years of age, or suffering a physical or psychological condition rendering it unsuitable are exempt.

A person may also remove the mask, for example, while eating, drinking or exercising.

Queensland - Person in affected areas must carry a face mask at all times, and must wear the mask unless subject to an exception.

Again a person may be exempt for medical reasons, or being under 12 years of age. An individual may also cease wearing the mask if eating, drinking or taking medication (for example).

Victoria- Face masks must be carried at all times and must be worn indoors, for anyone aged 12 years and over.

Exemptions include for medical conditions, strenuous exercise, consuming food or drink.

Western Australia - Masks required indoors, and outdoors when not possible to social distance.

Exemptions for primary school aged children. Person not required if medically unsuitable, or if exercising.

South Australia - Masks must be worn at a cinema, live theatre or any other live performance venue or at a place of worship when capacity exceeds 75 per cent of normal occupancy, if less than 75 per cent of capacity, no masks are required.

Exceptions apply for those with medical conditions, under the age of 12, eating/drinking or in care situations where a mask will frustrate communication.

Tasmania - No general requirement. Masks to be worn at airports and water terminals, and some specific events. Some requirements may be imposed on travellers who are offered exemptions to quarantine requirements.

Northern Territory - Face masks must be worn in public when you cannot maintain a physical distance of 1.5m. Exceptions apply if medically unsuitable, children under 12 years of age, while driving or engaging in exercise.