A crackdown on illegal after-hours clubs operating in Surrey has resulted in an arrest.
The investigation began after the RCMP received complaints about a number of after-hours clubs and parties springing up at commercial properties in Whalley.
Police were able to identify a man who was allegedly using leased commercial space to host unlicensed events.
Upon further investigation, it was found that the man may have also been hosting large gatherings in commercial properties that he accessed by breaking and entering.
Furthermore, investigators believe he’s the operator of the hookah lounge that Fraser Health identified as the spot of a COVID-19 exposure on Aug. 4.
We’ve identified a possible public COVID-19 exposure at a hookah lounge at 10609 King George Hwy, Surrey. If you were at this location on the dates/times listed on our public exposures page Public Health recommends self-monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19. https://t.co/EZ9dFW4Oq1 pic.twitter.com/4HJanKxH5P
— Fraser Health (@Fraserhealth) August 4, 2020
Police arrested the man for break and enter, as well as uttering threats, but he’s since been released on strict conditions as the investigation continues.
“We want to strongly caution the public, particularly young people, to avoid these types of illegal parties, especially during a pandemic,” says Cpl. Bob Keay, of the COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team.
“These types of events are often not compliant with local bylaws, fire codes, and public health orders that have been put in place for your safety.
Keay added that there are potential COVID-19 exposures at events that are linked to this investigation.
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