B.C. RCMP fined a private Richmond gym $2,300 this weekend for having more than 50 people inside and not encouraging social distancing, proper hygiene nor contact tracing.
RCMP arrived at the gym on Saturday evening (Aug. 22) around 9:30 p.m. after getting complaints that the management wasn’t complying with social distancing rules.
Richmond RCMP Cpl. Ian Henderson said investigators tried first to educate participants and spectators at the facility, but “but it was quite clear that the business needed further incentive to comply” with public health orders.
“It is disappointing that people still aren’t getting the message,” Henderson said.
“Whenever possible, we will take an educational approach to the Public Health Officer’s orders, but for those businesses operating in blatant disregard for the PHO’s orders, the RCMP will be considering violation tickets under the new (COVID-19 Related Measures Act).”
The operator received a $2,300 violation ticket for contravention of the COVID-19-related gathering and events order from the provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
Richmond RCMP went to other private gatherings over the weekend, but didn’t issue any more tickets.
Individual can also get a $230 fine if they fail to follow requests from a business owner or event organizer to comply with public health orders.
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