COVID-19 fines issued to four Surrey businesses over weekend

SURREY (NEWS 1130) — Four Surrey businesses were handed fines of $2,300 over the weekend for repeated violations of the provincial COVID-19 orders.

Surrey RCMP issued the fines to one restaurant, two banquet spaces, and an after-hours club. Police did not name them.

Cpl. Joanie Sidhu said the fines were related to number of people gathering and spacing.

Each had been warned before by the Surrey COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team, according to a release from RCMP.

Officers also issued seven tickets for seatbelt violations Friday as upwards of 1,000 people gathered at the corner of Scott Road and 72nd Avenue to celebrate the Vancouver Canucks’ first-round series win over the St. Louis Blues.

THIS JUST IN: @SurreyRCMP says four #COVID19 related fines were handed out to businesses and event organizers over the last few days. They include a restaurant, two event/banquet spaces and one after-hours club. Each one was fined $2,300.

— Ria Renouf (@riarenouf) August 24, 2020

“Surrey RCMP and Delta Police Department were in attendance, However, due to the size of the crowd, their focus had to remain on pedestrian and traffic safety. A total of seven violation tickets were issued for seat belt violations as a result of occupants hanging out of windows or sunroofs,” RCMP says.

“Canuck fans who gathered in large groups without masks on Friday night should consider this to be their warning,” adds Sgt. Roger Green, with the enforcement team. “The public and the police are not happy with the disregard for physical distancing and expect you do to better for the sake of your families, yourselves, and your fellow residents.”

READ ALSO: Police remind Canucks fans of COVID-19 rules ahead of any gatherings at Surrey intersection

The team conducted a total of 429 checks on Saturday and Sunday at various businesses, event spaces, and faith-based institutions, with 425 of those in compliance with provincial health orders, according to police.

Police will continue to visit the Scott Rd. location after each Canuck playoff game to ensure safety, and will issue tickets for health and safety violations.

“We are asking everyone to ensure that they are complying with COVID-19 public health orders while celebrating – this including no congregations of more than 50 people in one area, and maintaining physical distancing.”

Sidhu said RCMP are asking people to consider celebrating at home or virtually.

“By going out there and hanging out in large crowds you are posing a risk to not only yourself and the people who are there, but also your families,” she added.

Residents wishing to report a violation of a COVID-19 public health order should contact the Surrey bylaw call centre at 604-591-4370 or RCMP at 604-599-0502.