Almost $6,000 in COVID-19 fines issued after Surrey RCMP bust illegal nightclub

Police issued just shy of $6,000 in COVID-19-related fines after executing a search warrant at an “after-hours” nightclub in Surrey’s Whalley neighbourhood this past weekend.

According to Surrey RCMP, the illegal nightclub has been the subject of previous police investigations for defying public health orders, and “individuals associated to the illegal club were issued COVID-19-related fines on three prior occasions.”

This weekend the COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team returned to the premises – located in the 10600 block of King George Boulevard – with a search warrant that was executed shortly after 1 am on February 7.

Police said a total of 22 people were inside the club when officers attended, resulting in 26 fines of $230 each for attending the event, not wearing a face covering, and “belligerent” behaviour. The host of the event was not issued a $2,300 fine but was issued a notice to appear in court for hosting a non-compliant event contrary to the Emergency Program Act.

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Police issued four other violations related to COVID-19 over the weekend.

On February 6, Officers issued a $1,150 fine under the Quarantine Act for a man who did not abide by the conditions of his entry into Canada.

That same day, police attended a restaurant in the 7000 block of 138 Street for a report of a public health order violation. Upon arrival, “members determined a wedding was occurring in a private room at the restaurant,” police said. Officers observed “at least 20” people in attendance. Police issued the owner of the restaurant a $2,300 violation ticket for hosting a non-compliant event.

The next day, police attended a residence in the 14800 block of 61 Avenue for a report of a gathering. The property representative was handed a $2,300 ticket for hosting a non-compliant event.

“The Surrey COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team will continue to pursue individuals and hosts who contravene the current public health orders,” said Surrey RCMP Sgt. Tyler Wickware. “Stopping the spread of COVID-19 is a shared responsibility; we will conduct enforcement against those whose actions are contrary to the safety of our community.”