B.C. clamps down on COVID-19 enforcement with fines for large party hosts

As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to climb in BC, especially among young people, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says a party is ``not worth someone's life.''

Farnworth says $2,000 tickets can now be issued to the owner of a home where a large party is underway or to the organizer of an event such as a drum circle if such gatherings violate health rules.

$200 tickets can also be issued to anyone refusing to leave a gathering or who is abusive to staff trying to maintain physical distancing rules.

Farnworth says a small minority of people are either wilfully ignorant or don't believe they must follow regulations, and if violations continue, additional measures will be considered.