Kamloops poker host hammered with $3,000 in COVID-19 fines

An unruly Kamloops gambler was hit with more that $3,000 in fines after violating COVID-19 rules by hosting a card game.

The 37-year-old man was busted after police were called to the illegal game at about 1 a.m., Nov. 20.

He was hosting nine others who did not live in his home in the 1800-block of Hugh Allan Drive, contrary to rules imposed yesterday by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry prohibiting people from socializing with people from outside their own household.

There was no safe distancing, masks or hand sanitizer.

The man, who was described in a Kamloops RCMP news release as “very uncooperative,” was fined $2,300 for violating the Gatherings and Events health order, $230 for not complying with orders from the enforcement officer, $230 for abusive and belligerent behaviour and another $230 for encouraging attendance at a non-compliant gathering.

"It is disheartening when our police officers have to attend such gatherings putting themselves at risk of catching COVID-19 and bringing it home to their families when it can be avoided,” Supt. Syd Lecky, officer in charge of the Kamloops RCMP detachment ,said in the news release. “The uncooperative nature of the homeowner just makes this even more troublesome. Our priority is to educate people to change their behaviour for the safety of everyone."

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