Police in Vancouver and Fraser health authorities given extra power to enforce health violations

The province is taking steps to show it means business when it comes to enforcing COVID-19 protocols.

British Columbia police are being given additional power to issue violation tickets for health contraventions in the Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions.

The move aligns the province’s ticketing measures with the provincial health officer’s orders.

The new ticketing measures will apply to party buses and limousines, allowing police to issue additional fines to those who operate or allow operation of perimeter seating vehicles or buses.

The $2,000 fines will be levied under the Emergency Program Act. People taking part in a social gathering on a bus or limousine in these two regions could also face individual fines of $200.

Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth made the announcement in a release issued this afternoon, Nov. 13. All ticketing measures previously announced in August and September that enforce COVID-19 public safety continue to apply at gatherings and events.

The enabling action from police is complemented by liquor, cannabis and gaming inspectors as well as community safety unit inspectors and conservation officers who are part of the provincial enforcement support staff.

The violation tickets build on existing tools, including the ability to revoke or suspend the business or liquor license of problem operators.

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