Group slapped with $5,000 in COVID-19 fines for playing cards at Surrey business

Just over $5,000 in COVID-19 fines were issued last week after more than a dozen people were caught gambling and playing cards at a business in Surrey.

The Surrey RCMP says that the incident occurred on Thursday, February 18, just after 9 pm. The COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team attended a business in the 13500 blocks of 105A avenue to conduct a compliance check.

Police say that as they arrived at the business, they noticed multiple people sneaking out the back door.

“Through further investigation, officers noted additional people inside the business without masks and playing cards,” the Surrey RCMP said in an emailed statement. “Upon entering the business, further evidence supporting a private gathering was taking place was located.”

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A total of 14 individuals were issued COVID-19 fines — 13 attendees were fined $230 for attending a non-compliant event, and the host was given a $2,300 ticket, totalling $5,290 in fines.

“It was evident that this was a full house of non-compliant individuals,” says Sergeant Elenore Sturko, Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer.

“We are not bluffing when we say we intend to enforce the public health orders.”

Last week, over $17,000 in COVID-19 fines were issued at two karaoke bars in Richmond that had over 50 people in attendance combined.