Richmond karaoke bar temporarily shut down due to COVID-19 violations

A karaoke bar in Richmond has been shut down by the city after more than 30 people were issued COVID-19 violation tickets earlier in February.

The City of Richmond has confirmed with Daily Hive that Deco Nova Lounge and Eatery, located at 3300-4000 No. 3 Road, has had its business operating licence suspended for two weeks.

On Saturday, February 13, police issued 35 COVID-19 tickets to the business owner and patrons for breaking the current provincial health and safety orders. RCMP says they discovered “numerous contraventions,” and a total of $10,120 in fines were issued.

Clay Adams, spokesperson for the City of Richmond, tells Daily Hive that it wasn’t the first time that Deco Nova had been warned, either.

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“Prior to this incident, the business had been warned by the City and other agencies about non-compliance with Health Orders,” he says in an emailed statement.

Adams notes that while the city “always tries to educate businesses” that may violate health orders, businesses like the karaoke bar could face greater consequences should they fail to comply.

“Continued non-compliance by Deco Nova Lounge and Eatery will result in a further suspension plus ticketing and prosecution in Provincial Court if necessary.”

The City of Richmond says it’s also advising WorkSafeBC and Vancouver Coastal Health about the karaoke bar’s non-compliance.