B.C.’s Public Safety Minister says there have been three fines issued for violations related to COVID-19 vaccine card rules in the province.
“I’m aware that there are those who think the rules don’t apply to them,” Mike Farnworth told reporters at the B.C. Legislature Monday.
“The reality is that most restaurants and establishments are following rules.”
He did not have specifics about the nature of the fines that were issued but said there is a system in place when it comes to following up on complaints that are made.
“When there is a complaint, they are able to forward those complaints the appropriate authorities, where they are collected and looked at by an interagency body within my ministry that comprises not just the ministry WorkSafeBC, but liquor and cannabis inspectors and others,” Farnworth said. “They assess the complaint and do an investigation. and they can decide on the appropriate level of enforcement.”
“Enforcement for establishments or restaurants could be a $2,300 fine or loss of the liquor licence, or potentially the business licence.”
Depending on the violation, individuals could be subject to a $230 or $575 fine while owners, operators and event organizers could be subject to a $2,300 fine. The province also says employees will not be fined if they fail to check someone’s vaccine card as owners, operators, and event organizers are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Provincial Health Order.
“Enforcement officials are working on complaints as they come in. Obviously, you want to make sure that the are thoroughly investigated and that they are examined carefully and then from that, [we] make the decision on what the most appropriate level of enforcement is,” Farnworth said.
“The first line, ever since the regulations have been in place is around education and ensuring that people understand what the rules are. That being said, tickets have been issued and that there will be coming.”
NL News has reached out to Farnworth’s Ministry seeking more clarify about the nature of the fines that have been issued.
