Fines issued, Canucks fans warned for ignoring crowd limits
Four Surrey businesses have been ticketed by police for breaking COVID-19 rules around crowd limits set by B.C.’s provincial health officer.
According to the Surrey RCMP, one restaurant, two event and banquet spaces, and an after-hours club all received $2,300 tickets over the weekend, after they contravened health officials’ orders about large gatherings.
Police said all four venues had previously been issued warnings, and were among 429 locations checked over the weekend for COVID-19 compliance.
Meanwhile, in Richmond on Saturday night, police found significantly more than 50 people in a private sports centre on the 2300 block of No. 6 Road.
A Richmond RCMP spokesperson said officers initially took “an educational approach” — as they did with several other private gatherings in Richmond over the weekend — “but it was quite clear the business needed further incentive to comply” with public health orders.
The operator of the facility was hit with a $2,300 violation ticket under the new COVID-19 Related Measures Act.
The fines come after Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth last week announced new penalties for those found contravening COVID-19 guidelines.
Surrey RCMP also issued a warning to Vancouver Canucks fans who insist on gathering publicly to celebrate the team’s wins.
“Unfortunately, a number of Canucks fans celebrating the team’s win on Aug, 21 also chose to ignore physical distancing requirements when upwards of 1,000 people gathered at the corner of Scott Road and 72nd Avenue,” said a statement by Surrey RCMP.
Both Surrey RCMP and Delta police were on hand. However, officers were unable to disperse the large crowd and instead turned their attention to pedestrian and traffic safety.
Seven tickets were issued that evening for seatbelt violations by individuals who were hanging out of windows and sunroofs.
“Canucks fans who gathered in large groups without masks on Friday night should consider this to be their warning,” said Sgt. Roger Green with the Surrey COVID-19 compliance and enforcement team.
“The public and the police are not happy with the disregard for physical distancing and expect you do to better for the sake of your families, yourselves, and your fellow residents.”
Surrey police will patrol the intersection of Scott Road and 72nd after each Canucks playoff game. Violations of COVID-19 orders can be reported to Surrey bylaw officers by calling 604-591-4370 or the Surrey RCMP non-emergency line at 604-599-0502.