In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, B.C. is cracking down on gatherings that violate public health safety orders.
Effective immediately, police and other enforcement officers will be able to issue $2,000 tickets for people who organize or host large gatherings anywhere in the province. These tickets will also apply for people who don’t keep a list of attendees for contact tracing or if people are found hosting more than five guests in a vacation rental.
“I know many of you have concerns over the spikes in cases among young people. There is no excuse to disregard the responsibility we share to keep each other safe,” Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said. “Enough is enough. These irresponsible actions are putting our most vulnerable at risk.”
“Just because your party has less than 50 people, it does not make it legal. Whenever there is a gathering, the provincial health officer has in place rules that you are to maintain two metres of social distancing. So, if you’re hosting a large penthouse party, organizing a street gathering, or drum circle on the beach, we will be watching.”
Farnworth says police will also be able to issue $200 tickets for people who encourage others to gather at these events or people who refuse to leave a venue when asked. The $200 tickets also apply for people who refuse to comply with business safety plans, or if people are bullying employees at restaurants and bars.
“Don’t yell at the waiter who asks you not to push your tables together at the restaurants. Don’t be belligerent towards the hardworking people who are trying to keep us safe,” he added.
“I am disappointed that stricter enforcement has become necessary. British Columbians have enough to deal with.”
Like Health Minister Adrian Dix, Farnworth says there is a small minority of ‘selfish individuals’ across the province who continue to disregard the public health measures put in place.
“These irresponsible actions are putting our most vulnerable at risk. These actions could cost people their lives, that’s why stricter enforcement is necessary,” he said.
In addition to police and bylaw officers, liquor, cannabis, and gaming inspectors as well as community safety unit inspectors, conservation officers, and WorkSafeBC will be able to issue these tickets for the duration of the pandemic, with Farnworth calling it an ‘all-hands-on-deck approach.
To report concerns, people are asked to call their local bylaw officers, who will follow up on concerns and engage police, health officers, and WorkSafeBC. If you can’t get in touch with bylaw officers, call the non-emergency number of your local police department.
