The Surrey RCMP COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team (CCET) executed a search warrant and issued nearly $6000 in COVID-19-related fines, at an illegal after-hours nightclub, in Whalley.
The illegal nightclub located in the 10600-block of King George Boulevard, has been the subject of previous police investigations for defying public health orders. Individuals associated to the illegal club were issued COVID-19-related fines on three prior occasions. This weekend the COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team returned to the premises with a search warrant, which was executed shortly after 1 a.m. on February 7, 2021.
Twenty-two individuals were inside the club when police attended; resulting in twenty-six tickets with fines of $230 issued for attending the non-compliant event, failure to wear a face covering, and belligerent behavior. Fines totaled just shy of $6000. The host of the event was not issued a $2300 fine but was issued a notice to appear in court for hosting a non-compliant event contrary Section 4(1) of the Emergency Program Act.
“The Surrey COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team will continue to pursue individuals and hosts who contravene the current public health orders,” says Sergeant Tyler Wickware, of the Surrey RCMP Community Response Unit. “Stopping the spread of COVID-19 is a shared responsibility; we will conduct enforcement against those whose actions are contrary to the safety of our community.”
The Surrey RCMP CCET issued four other violations related to COVID-19 over the weekend. On February 6, 2021, Officers issued a $1150 fine under the Quarantine Act for a man who did not abide by the conditions of his entry into Canada.
On February 6, 2021, Surrey RCMP attended a restaurant in the 7000-block of 138 Street for a report of a public health order violation. Upon attendance, members determined a wedding was occurring in a private room at the restaurant. Officers observed at least 20 people in attendance. Members issued the owner of the restaurant a $2300 VT for hosting a non-compliant event.
On February 7, 2021, Surrey RCMP attended a residence in the 14800-block of 61 Avenue for a report of a gathering. The property representative was handed a $2300 VT for hosting a non-compliant event.
Residents wishing to report a violation of a public health order can contact the City of Surrey Bylaws Call Centre at 604-591-4370, 7:30 am – 6:00 pm, seven days a week or the Surrey RCMP non-emergency line at 604-599-0502