The province has put in place new measures to penalize those disobeying COVID-19 public health orders.
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said police and other enforcement officers are now able to hand out fines of up to $2,000 for those participating in house parties, large gatherings or refusing to adhere to health orders. The new violations are effective immediately.
Farnworth said these measures are aimed at the minority of British Columbians who are refusing to play by the rules, after being given ample warning by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
“The vast majority of people in this province are following the guidelines, they are doing the responsible thing,” said Farnworth. “So what we’re seeing, and particularly from Dr. Bonnie Henry, is that a number of these spikes that we’ve seen in cases are coming from private house parties. They’re coming from inside residences and that’s the real problem.”
The new fines will see organizers and businesses hosting non-compliant parties, gatherings and events fined up to $2,000.
Two hundred dollar tickets can also be issued to those who deliberately break public health orders or refuse to leave or follow the direction of enforcement officers.
Police will be targeting promoters, venues and repeat offenders.
Farnworth also said people disobeying COVID-19 safety plans at businesses can be fined. This especially applies to restaurants and bars, where patrons being abusive to serving staff are in violation according to today’s announcement.
Restaurants and bars have accounted for a number of COVID-19 cases in the last few weeks due to reports of patrons refusing to adhere to COVID-19 safety plans.
“Don’t yell at the waiter who asks you not to push your tables together at a restaurant,” said Farnworth. “Don’t be belligerent towards the hard working people who are trying to keep us all safe.”
Enforcement of violations will be based on a complaints model. Police and enforcement officials will respond to complaints raised and people are encouraged to report any violations of concern.
“To be clear, just because your party has less than 50 people, does not make it legal. You must follow all guidelines. So if you’re hosting a large penthouse party, organizing a street gathering or drum circle on the beach, we will be watching,” said the minister.
