Vancouver party host spends Christmas in jail after repeated fines for violating COVID-19 public health orders

A 24-year-old Vancouver man spent Christmas night in jail after repeatedly hosting parties that violatedCOVID-19 public health orders.

Vancouver police say they issued multiple warnings and fines to the man before arresting him on Dec. 25 and charging him under Section 99 of the provincial Public Health Act. He was released on Boxing Day.

"He made clear that he has no plans to stop, so our officers obtained an arrest warrant and he spent Christmas in jail," said Sgt. Steve Addison."Clearly the talks that we were having with him weren't having the desired effect."

Addison said the Vancouver Police Department hasreceived a dozen complaints about noise and parties at the man's downtown apartment since September.

He was twice issued$2,300 violation tickets in December.

After another loud party on Dec.18, Vancouver policeworked with Crown counsel to obtain an arrest warrant.

Theman's bail conditions statehe must answer his door if police knock and must comply with all provincial health orders or riskbeing rearrested.

"This should serve as a reminder to anyone who thinks it's still OKto ignore the public health order and put other people at risk," said Addison.

The provincial COVID-19Related Measures Act bans social gatherings of any size inside residences, but allows people who live alone to host two people with whom they regularly socialize.

Vancouver police have issued 21 $2,300 tickets for unlawful social gatherings since the actcame into effect in July.

Addison said this is the first case of someone being arrested under the COVID-19 Related Measures Act in B.C.

"This is new territory for police agencies across the country," he said.