Police and other provincial enforcement officers are being given the power to issue $2,000 violation tickets for owners or organizers contravening the provincial health officer’s (PHO) order on gatherings and events.
A $200 violation tickets can also be issued to individuals not following the direction of police or enforcement staff at events or those who refuse to comply with requests to follow orders or safe operating procedures, or respond with abusive behaviour.
These new measures are effective with immediate effect.
BC will also bring in compliance and enforcement staff from ministries to help issue tickets during the pandemic.
This includes liquor, cannabis and gaming inspectors, community safety unit inspectors and conservation officers.
The focus of the enforcement will be $2,000 fines to owners, operators and organizers for contraventions of the provincial health officer’s order on gatherings and events.
This includes hosting a private party or public event in excess of 50 people, failing to provide appropriate hand sanitation and washroom facilities, failing to provide sufficient space for physical distancing, failing to obtain a list of names and contacts at large event or having more than five guests gathered in a vacation accommodation.
Police and other provincial enforcement officers will independently exercise discretion on issuing tickets.
If violation tickets do not act as a deterrent, or in cases of particularly egregious contraventions or for repeat offenders, police has also been given the power to recommend charges.
On conviction, judicial penalties of up to $10,000 may be levied.
Helen says
Awesome, the airbnb next door to us has groups of 15+ every weekend… bylaw aren’t interested (inspite of it not being a primary residence and just used in entirety as a vacation rental in the middle of a residential area) so maybe the police limiting the numbers will make it less enticing as a destination… or at least reduce the overall volume!