A British Properties man has been fined for violating COVID-19 provincial health orders after being caught hosting a New Year’s Eve party.
Const. Kevin Goodmurphy, West Vancouver police spokesman, said they were tipped off anonymously to the 10- to 12-person soiree by someone who was invited but did not plan to attend.
“They expressed concerns, especially after they had seen social media posts of people at this gathering,” said Goodmurphy, who issued the ticket himself.
When officers approached the house on the the 1100 block of Millstream Road just after midnight, there were numerous cars parked out front and loud music could be heard coming from inside.
Guests directed officers to the host who admitted to planning a party but said at least some of the guests were part of his work bubble. That is not an allowable exception under the current rules, Goodmurphy said.
“Given that this person had invited guests into their home, and that they had contravened the COVID-19 Related Measures Act, they were then issued the $2,300-fine for hosting a party,” Goodmurphy said.
West Vancouver officers stood by while guests left in cabs or ride-hailing vehicles.
Goodmurphy said the host took a “neutral” attitude toward being hit with the fine.
West Vancouver officers issued 17 tickets for violations of the COVID-19 Related Measures Act and Quarantine Act in 2020.
North Vancouver RCMP meanwhile did not catch anyone in the act of hosting a party, but they did pull six impaired drivers off the road on New Year’s Eve.
Over the course of 2020, five COVID-19 Act fines were issued by police in North Vancouver along with four fines for violations of the Quarantine Act.
