Vancouver makeshift nightclub host hit with $2,500 in COVID-19 fines

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      While British Columbians continue to try to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, some defiant Vancouverites seem to be intent on ignoring such efforts by partying their way through the pandemic.

      Police have reported busting a number of private gatherings and events, which are banned under provincial health orders.

      However, one such ill-informed individual attempted to cash in on the current lack of nightlife by launching his own makeshift club.

      The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) stated on January 25 that a woman reported to police that she had been invited to a party at a condo on Richards Street on January 23. But when she arrived at the location, she discovered there were about 100 people inside.

      In fact, the party was so large that a doorman at the entrance was wearing a protective vest, was carrying a counting device, and was holding several denominations of money. Officers who arrived at the location issued him two Emergency Program Act tickets—one for hosting an unlawful event and a second one for not wearing a face covering—for a total of $2,500 in fines. 

      The VPD stated that police has received four complaints this month about social gatherings at the apartment, and officers believe the owner has been using the residence to host large parties.

      Investigators are working with Crown counsel to obtain court-ordered conditions to prohibit the apartment owner from hosting large parties.

      In other recent examples, West Vancouver police issued a $2,300 fine to a 40-year-old host who held a late-night gathering at a business on January 8.

      On December 25, Vancouver police arrested a 24-year-old party host, who had received several warnings and been issued two previous fines of $2,300 each for holding parties at his apartment since September.

      Although he spent Christmas in jail, he was released on bail, and he will be arrested if he doesn’t comply with conditions.

      You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at @cinecraig or on Facebook.

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