A large group of teenagers was fined for not following COVID-19 regulations at a high school in Nanaimo.
RCMP said 11 youths were issued $230 fines after ignoring a warning to disperse. Officers on patrol observed a large group gathered in Dover Bay High School parking lot on Saturday.
The attending officer had a discussion with about the risks associated with their behaviour and told them to disperse. The officer left the area, but returned a short time later to find more cars and more youths, according to police.
Many of them were seen walking about in the parking lot without masks on and going back and forth between vehicles to speak with friends, RCMP said.
“Given their lack of regard after being told to disperse, the officer elected to issue each with a violation ticket in hopes that the behaviour would not continue throughout the holiday season,” said Const. Gary O’Brien.
O’Brien said throughout the interaction the youth were respectful, apologetic and understanding of why they were receiving a ticket.
