VPD issue nearly $10,000 in fines on NYE, break up 100-person party

Vancouver Police issued almost $10,000 in fines related to illegal gatherings in the city on New Year’s Eve.

In an info bulletin, police said officers responded to 34 calls related to the provincial restrictions on gatherings and events throughout the evening of December 31 and into the morning of January 1.

As a result, four tickets were issued to event organizers, each amounting to $2,300.

Police detailed one of the calls in their “New Year’s Eve Roundup,” and noted that extra officers were deployed to the city’s Granville and Gastown entertainment districts.

At 11 pm on December 31, officers said they received a complaint that a restaurant near Granville and Davie streets was hosting a private party.

Police said that approximately 100 people were in attendance, and that food and alcohol were being served. A $2,300 ticket was issued to the organizer of the event, and the party was shut down.

Dr. Bonnie Henry issued a temporary Provincial Health Order that banned alcohol sales and service between 8 pm on December 31, and 9 am on January 1.

The order was meant to curb New Year’s Eve parties and associated COVID-19 transmission.

To date, there have been 51,990 COVID-19 cases and 901 virus-related deaths in British Columbia.