The province of British Columbia is expanding ticketing measures to align with the provincial health officer’s updated orders on food and liquor serving premises and gatherings.
The enforcement will continue to focus on $2,000 fines for owners, operators and organizers for violations of the provincial health officer’s orders. Individual patrons may also be issued $200 fines, according to a BC government press release on Sunday.
“We released our economic recovery plan last week, and we have an opportunity to lead the country as we support a strong recovery. Now, more than ever, we all need to follow the guidelines of the provincial health officer,” said Mike Farnsworth, solicitor general and minister of public safety.
The province is also enlisting compliance and enforcement staff from provincial ministries to support enforcement and help issue tickets. These include liquor, cannabis and gaming inspectors, community safety unit inspectors and conservation officers.
“These updated measures ensure police have the tools necessary to continue enforcing the PHO’s orders on unsafe gatherings,” said Farnsworth
All ticketing measures announced in August regarding gatherings remain in effect, but have been expanded. The measures announced Sunday include the following provisions, which are subject to ticketing and enforcement:
- The holding of any event in a banquet hall is prohibited.
- Nightclubs must cease operating as nightclubs.
- Background music or other background sounds, such as from televisions, must be no louder than the volume of normal conversation.
- Liquor sales for onsite consumption must cease by 10 p.m.
- Unless a full meal service is provided, premises must close by 11 p.m. and all patrons must vacate the premises. If a full meal service is provided, premises may stay open, but liquor must not be served until 11 a.m. the following day.
- Liquor must not be consumed on premises by owners, operators or staff after 11 p.m.
- Liquor service at private events must cease at 10 p.m.
- If food or liquor serving premises hold private events, like wedding receptions, the same rules that hotels and other venues must follow apply to these premises.
The province said police can recommend charges for repeat offenders and extreme violations.
