An audience at a concert.
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March 25, 2021 - 10:31 AM
People who violate the provincial health officer's order against promoting and attending gatherings are in for more severe fines.
Those who either promote or attend a "non-compliant" gathering or event will face fines of $575, up from $230, according to a provincial news release.
However, the current fine for those who organize or host such an event remains the same at $2,300.
"Over the last several months, it's become clear that for some, the risk of a $230 violation ticket isn't enough to deter attendance at events that violate the (provincial health officer) order," Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said. "I am disappointed that a small minority of British Columbians continue to put their health and the health of others at risk by attending unsafe gatherings. This selfish behaviour needs to stop, and police and provincial enforcement authorities will be able to issue these new fines immediately."
However, the province also says a $230 fine will continue to apply to a range of COVID-19 violation measures, including failing to wear a mask and failing to abide conditions.
The reasoning behind the higher fine for prohibited events is "this behaviour is generally more risky than other offences in the $230 category, but less egregious than the offences in the $2,300 category," the news release said.
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