Responding to a dating app and the chance for a new friendship has proven costly for a Cairns man who ignored the rules by driving to Port Douglas to meet his match.

The cost of the takeaway meal paled in comparison to the $1334 fine he received.

This was also Port Douglas police’s first infringement notice after the 27-year-old Cairns man failed to comply with the Chief Health Officer’s directive who took his chances on a drive to Port Douglas to meet a woman via a dating app.

And Senior Sergeant Damian Meadows, Officer-in-Charge, Port Douglas, said this was clearly an irresponsible act.

“People need to abide by the rules and this applies to everyone. On the whole, the Port Douglas community has responded well, but it is so easy for one person to spoil it for everyone,” said Sgt Meadows.

“What compounds the problem, the Cairns man was coming from a virus hot spot, the two had never met and when they were confronted, they were in a car and not complying with the distancing regulations,” he said.

Meanwhile, Port Douglas police were kept busy performing joint patrols with the Department of Boating and Fisheries as part of COVID-19 enforcement on Good Friday.

Police issued a further six infringement notices to a group of six people failing to comply with the Chief Health Officer’s directives, after they were located drinking at the mouth of the Mowbray River.

Members of the community are reminded that now is not the time to travel for leisure, pleasure or non-essential travel.

But what we don't know is if the dating app offenders had an enjoyable meal and whether they'll meet again.