Police issued a second COVID-19 related fine at the same Victoria apartment after a resident hosted back-to-back parties this weekend.
Officers responded to a noise complaint shortly after midnight on August 21 in the 1000-block of Fort St. and found a party in progress with about 40-60 people in attendance.
The host was fined $2,300 under section 2 of the CRMA for violating a public health order on gatherings and events.
Two days later, police were back at the same address for another complaint, and discovered a gathering of 15 people in that very same one-bedroom suite.
Officers told the host and guests that the party was over and to leave the suite. Police say the group was compliant except for one guest who refused to leave.
The man was arrested for obstructing a peace officer and was served a $230 fine for violating section 6 of the CRMA, for abusive or belligerent behaviour at a social gathering.
The guest was released on scene and left the area.
VicPD Chief Del Manak called the incident “unbelievable & unacceptable” on Twitter.
“This is proof that asking for voluntary compliance & appealing to people’s common sense doesn’t work with some,” Manak wrote. “Proud of all others.”
This is unbelieveable & unacceptable. @vicpdcanada required to attend the same apartment for the second night in a row for a COVID-19 violation. This is proof that asking for voluntary compliance & appealing to people's common sense doesn't work with some. Proud of all others. https://t.co/FdyfECbiyO
— Del Manak (@ChiefManak) August 23, 2020
These fines are the first of their kind in B.C. since the provincial government issued new measures to allow police and other officers to issue COVID-19 violation penalties as of August 21.
