Bars, restaurants and clubs can now be fined for breaking BC’s rules on COVID-19

Nearly two weeks after regulations were put back into place for bars, restaurants and nightclubs in British Columbia, the provincial government has opened them up to fines.

Any business who contravenes the provincial health officer’s updated orders on these types of venues can be ticketed by police or other provincial enforcement officers.

It’s the same ticketing measures that were put into place for gatherings and events in August, meaning that businesses can be hit with a fine of $2,000 for breaking the rules.

Individual patrons can also receive a violation ticket of $200.

The $2,000 fine for bars, restaurants and clubs can be issued for the following:

The holding of any event in a banquet hall is prohibited.

• Nightclubs must cease operating as nightclubs.
• Background music or other background sounds, such as from televisions, must be no louder than the volume of normal conversation.
• Liquor sales for onsite consumption must cease by 10 p.m.
• Unless a full meal service is provided, premises must close by 11 p.m. and all patrons must vacate the premises. If a full meal service is provided, premises may stay open, but liquor must not be served until 11 a.m. the following day.
• Liquor must not be consumed on premises by owners, operators or staff after 11 p.m.
• Liquor service at private events must cease at 10 p.m.
• If food or liquor serving premises hold private events, like wedding receptions, the same rules that hotels and other venues must follow apply to these premises.

"We released our economic recovery plan last week, and we have an opportunity to lead the country as we support a strong recovery,” said Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety.

“Now, more than ever, we all need to follow the guidelines of the provincial health officer. These updated measures ensure police have the tools necessary to continue enforcing the PHO's orders on unsafe gatherings."

If violation tickets don’t act as a deterrent and police find themselves repeatedly responding to the same venue for egregious contraventions, they can recommend charges.