BC introduces $2K fines for people who contravene COVID-19 rules

The Government of British Columbia is cracking down on COVID-19 enforcement amid a spike in cases over recent weeks.

Solicitor General Mike Farnworth announced today that the RCMP and local police departments now have the ability to issue $2,000 tickets for owners or organizers that contravene the provincial health officer’s order on gatherings and events.

Contraventions of the PHO’s order on gatherings and events 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 a large event.
• Having more than five guests gathered in a vacation accommodation.

In addition, $200 tickets will be handed out to individuals who don’t follow the direction of police or enforcement staff at these types of events.

Those $200 fines will also be given to anyone who refuses to comply with requests to follow PHO orders or safe operating procedures at businesses or restaurants, or respond with abusive behaviour.

These new measures are effective immediately under the provincial state of emergency, which allows Farnworth to use extraordinary to support BC’s COVID-19 response and restart plan.

Farnworth made sure to point out that the majority BC residents are doing their part to curb the spread of COVID-19, but these new measures target the small group of people that aren't.

“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 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.”

It won’t just be police officers handing out these tickets either, as the Government of BC is enlisting compliance and enforcement staff from various provincial ministries to support enforcement.

The group, which includes liquor, cannabis and gaming inspectors, along with community safety unit inspectors and conservation officers, will have the ability to issue tickets for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If the violation tickets don’t deter people or groups, or in cases of particularly egregious contraventions or repeat offenders, police can recommend charges.

On conviction, judicial penalties of up to $10,000 may be levied.

“A party is not worth someone’s life,” said Farnworth. “Let’s get back on track.”