More than $17,000 in COVID-19 public health order fines were given to people attending and running karaoke operations in Richmond over the weekend.
On Feb. 13, officers attended a karaoke bar near Aberdeen Square mall, near No. 3 and Cambie roads, around 1 a.m. and found 34 people, including staff and one manager, violating the Provincial Protective Measures Order.
The staff and patrons were fined $230 each while the manager received a ticket of $2,300.
In another incident, police found 21 people gathered together and was singing karaoke at a commercial building in the 2600-block of Shell Road – near Shell and Bridgeport roads - on Feb. 14 around 2 a.m.
The location also appeared to be an “unlicensed drinking establishment,” according to the Richmond RCMP in a news release.
Again, each participant received a $230 ticket and the organizer at the scene was fined $2,300.
Richmond RCMP is continuing to investigate if any business and liquor-related charges will be applied to both incidences.
“Richmond RCMP is committed to promoting safety in our community, and we will continue to enforce the regulations aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19,” said Cpl. Ian Henderson of the Richmond RCMP.
“It’s quite clear that some people are still not getting the message. People who continue to engage in this type of reckless, irresponsible behaviour will be held to account.”
Anyone with information on similar events being organized in Richmond or witness other parties or gatherings are asked to call the Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 or anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
