File: 20-33426

Victoria, BC – Patrol officers served a party host a $2,300 fine last night for violating the COVID-19 Related Measures Act (CRMA).

At approximately 10:30 p.m. on August 21st, Patrol officers attended to a suite in a multi-unit residential building in the 1000-block of Fort Street for a noisy party where a large number of people were gathered.

Patrol officers had previously attended this suite at 7 p.m. and warned the resident regarding COVID-19 safety protocols surrounding large gatherings, after learning of information that the resident planned a large party.

When officers attended the scene at 10:30 p.m. they observed approximately 15 people inside a one-bedroom suite. Officers asked the host to end the party as it was causing a disturbance, and unsafe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The host told the officers that he would cooperate.

Officers remained in the area and continued to observe groups of people coming and going from the building. The officers re-attended the one-bedroom suite and noticed approximately 30 people inside, not practicing physical distancing. Many of the party attendees were youth. The room was densely populated, hot, and moisture had built up on the windows. Patrol officers believed approximately 40-60 people attended the party.

The resident of the suite failed to document the attendees and their contact information to assist with contact tracing in the event that someone was later found COVID-19 positive.

Officers served the resident a violation ticket for $2,300 under section 2 of the CRMA for contravention of the Provincial Health Officer Gathering and Events Order. A $300 victim surcharge levy was included in the $2,300 fine.

Party attendees were directed to leave the area. No additional violation tickets were issued.

For more information on the Provincial Health Officer Gathering and Events Order visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/covid-19/covid-19-pho-order-gatherings-events.pdf

VicPD will continue to take a measured approach in our enforcement of the CRMA and remind the public of the absolute importance of following the guidelines set forth by the Provincial Health Officer. Please consider the safety of the public and the safety of our officers who are called to attend these gatherings.

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