Party host charged for violations of COVID-19 protocols

A 24-year-old Vancouver man has been charged for repeated violations of the health order that bans parties and social gatherings because of COVID-19.

Sgt. Steve Addison, a spokesman for the Vancouver police, says officers issued several warnings and tickets to the man over several weeks, and asked him to stop hosting parties during the pandemic.

“He made clear that he has no plans to stop, so our officers obtained an arrest warrant and he spent Christmas in jail,” said Addison.

The Vancouver resident was arrested Dec. 25, and released from jail on Boxing Day. He is under bail conditions, including that he must answer the door if police knock, must comply with all provincial health orders and can only have two other people in his residence.

Police had received 12 complaints about noise and parties at the man's downtown apartment since September, and issued two $2,300 tickets earlier this month.

After a neighbour complained about another party on Dec. 18, officers obtained a warrant, said Addison. As a result, the man has been charged under Section 99 of the public health order.

“This should serve as a reminder to anyone who thinks it's still OK to ignore the public health order,” said Addison.

The COVID-19 Related Measures Act bans social gatherings of any size inside residences, but allows people who live alone to host two people with whom they regularly socialize. Police have issued 21 tickets for unlawful social gatherings since the public health order took effect.