Big White
(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)
March 31, 2021 - 10:13 AM
The owner of a Big White bar and restaurant is apologizing after he allowed a large party to occur at the location breaking provincial health orders.
A video posted to social media showed a large group of people dancing, singing and kissing, all without wearing masks or social distancing from one another in Charley Victoria's All Day Après. It was held at roughly 6:30 p.m. March 29 and multiple complaints were made to both Big White Ski Resort, which owns the space, and to the RCMP.
Due to the exponential number of COVID-19 cases in the province, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has banned indoor activities including indoor dining at restaurants and gym fitness classes for the next three weeks.
In a Facebook post, owner Justin Reid said it was an “ignorant decision” he made out of frustration with the recent announcement regarding COVID-19 health orders.
READ MORE: New restrictions on indoor dining, church services and gyms in B.C.: health officials
“I take full accountability (and) accept all consequences of this poor decision," Reid wrote. "As a community, we have all been working so hard and making sacrifices to curb COVID-19 and keep each other safe, and what happened at Charley’s Monday night was unacceptable and did not demonstrate leadership or compassion for my community, in which I care deeply about.
"Charley’s was created to be a safe space for all-mountain goers and I let you all down, and for that, I’m deeply sorry.”
He also apologized to Big White Ski Resort and to his staff.
Big White Ski Resort senior vice prescient Michael Ballingall said the resort is currently pursuing legal action against the business to terminate its lease.
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