Latest News

Those who organize gatherings or events that violate public health protocol may now be subject to a $2,000 fine, in addition to smaller fines to individuals who do not follow direction of enforcement staff at events.

Province introduces tickets for COVID-19 rule breakers

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 11:24 PDT, Fri August 21, 2020

—

People who disobey provincial health orders may now be subjected to violation tickets.

Police and other provincial enforcement officers can issue $2,000 violation tickets for organizers of gatherings and events. They can also issue $200 violation tickets to individuals not following the direction of police or enforcement staff at events, who refuse to comply with requests to follow public health orders or safe operating procedures, or who respond with abusive behaviour.

“These orders will help us put a stop to the selfish acts of a small minority of British Columbians, who are threatening to erode the progress our province has made in controlling COVID-19,” said Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth. “While I’m disappointed these measures are now necessary, I am taking this action to give police agencies and provincial enforcement officers the ability to take action against those who are putting people’s lives at risk.”

The province is also enlisting compliance and enforcement staff from provincial ministries to support enforcement and help issue tickets for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes liquor, cannabis and gaming inspectors, community safety unit inspectors and conservation officers.

The enforcement focus will be on $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 in the venue 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.

When required, police and other provincial enforcement officers will also be able to actively enforce the order and ticket a series of other infractions, including:

$200 violation tickets for individuals who actively encourage others to attend gatherings or events that do not comply with established requirements, or refuse to leave or disperse when directed to do so by enforcement officers
$200 violation tickets for individuals who refuse to comply with requests to follow the public health officer’s order or safe operating procedures of a restaurant, bar or other licensed establishment, or respond with abusive behaviour towards employees

If violation tickets do not act as a deterrent, or in cases of particularly egregious contraventions or for repeat offenders, police can recommend charges in relation to the offence. On conviction, judicial penalties of up to $10,000 may be levied.

To report concerns around order violations from event organizers, venues or individuals, contact your local government’s bylaw office. If unable to reach a local bylaw office, contact your local police department’s non-emergency line.