Gamblers breaking COVID rules face fines: RCMP

A group of people caught gambling at a local business in Surrey, B.C., face fines for not following COVID-19 regulations.

RCMP say they saw several people leave through the back of a business as officers knocked on the front door late Thursday during a compliance check on the business.

Shortly after 9 p.m. on February 18, 2021, Surrey RCMP CCET attended a business in the 13500-block of 105A Avenue, which was closed to the public at the time, to complete a proactive compliance check.

As the officers were knocking on the front door, they observed multiple individuals leaving the business through the back door. Through further investigation, officers noted additional people inside the business without masks and playing cards.

Upon entering the business, further evidence supporting a private gathering was taking place was located. As such, 13 attendees were issued violation tickets for $230 for attending a non-compliant event and the host was issued a ticket for $2300 for hosting a non-compliant gathering, totaling just over $5000 in fines.

Spokeswoman Sgt. Elenore Sturko called the business a "full house" of non-compliant people.

She says the police aren't bluffing when they say they intend to enforce public health orders.