Two sets of partiers were fined $2,300 for COVID violations at the same Burnaby vacation rental within 24 hours of each other.
Just before 2 a.m. on Saturday, police responded to reports of a large party taking place in a rental suite in a condo building in the 6300 block of McKay Avenue, according to a police news release.
Burnaby RCMP’s COVID compliance enforcement team determined the gathering was out of compliance with the COVID Related Measures Act (CRMA), the release said.
Police said there were 26 people in attendance, which is a violation of the limits for vacation properties, the host had not taken contact information from all the people there, and there was insufficient space for physical distancing.
The host of the gathering was issued a $2,300 fine, and the party immediately dispersed, according to police.
Within 24 hours, the same two officers who had issued that ticket were back at the same suite for a second complaint that a large party was taking place there.
A different person had rented the property, police said, but the officers observed the same CRMA violations, so that host, too, was issued a $2,300 fine.
“When we see the lives that have been lost and the sacrifices being made by people around our province due to COVID-19, it is quite frankly appalling that we still have people showing complete disregard for measures put in place to try to keep everyone safe and well,” Burnaby RCMP Cpl. Mike Kalanj said in the release. “If you have a vacation property booked in the coming weeks to host a party with 20 of your friends, take our advice and cancel it now because you will be reported and you will be fined.”
Follow Cornelia Naylor on Twitter @CorNaylor
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