RCMP break up house party with over 60 people, live band in backyard

A BC man has been fined after allegedly hosting a party that had more than 60 people in attendance.

Grand Forks RCMP says that on Saturday, October 10, just after 7:30 pm,  officers were dispatched over an “ongoing noise complaint” at a resident in the 4900 blocks of Vernon Street.

“Several callers reported hearing a live band that had reportedly been playing for several hours,” reads a release from RCMP.

Police say that once they arrived at the home, they found a “live band playing in the backyard” and “what they estimated to be over 60 people” in attendance. Additionally, the attendees failed to obey physical distancing requirements or wear personal protective equipment.

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RCMP identified the host of the party and explained that he would have to shut the event down because of noise complaints, as well as not being compliant under the COVID Related Measures Act.

When the man allegedly refused, he was fined for failing to abide by the direction of a law enforcement officer and failing to comply with patron distancing conditions, resulting in a ticket of $460.

Police add that they continued to receive noise complaints after they warned and fined the host.

“Officers were called away for another matter, however even after police had warned and fined the resident, we continued to receive noise complaints,” says Sgt. Janelle Shoihet in a statement.

The man is now being investigated for mischief, with police planning on submitting findings to the BC Prosecution Service for possible charges.