Metro Vancouver municipalities giving $500 fines for illegal sales of essential supplies

The City of Coquitlam is deploying its bylaw enforcement officers to fine anyone caught attempting to profit from unauthorized sales of medical and other essential supplies.

The fine is set at $500 per day for those attempting to profit during the coronavirus pandemic from the sale of items such as face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, toilet paper, and food.

“The City is cracking down on those who are cashing in on the COVID-19 pandemic by selling medical, cleaning and other hard-to-find supplies from their home, vehicle or roadside stand without a business licence,” reads a release, noting that bylaw enforcement officers are currently investigating complaints received from the public.

• See also:
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  • Labatt Breweries to produce and distribute 50,000 bottles of hand sanitizer
  • No, please don’t flush your disposable wipes down the toilet

Anyone who spots unauthorized sales is asked to report the incident to the city’s bylaw enforcement department at 604-927-7387.

This follows an incident late last week when two people were spotted in neighbouring Port Coquitlam operating a stand at a public park to sell masks. The individuals are now facing a fine of $500 from the City of Port Coquitlam.