Man arrested and fined $3K over 'non-COVID-19-compliant' card game at his Kamloops home

Another British Columbia homeowner has been fined for hosting a game of cards at his home.

The 37-year-old man, from Kamloops, had been reported to police in the early hours of this morning.

Officers attended his home, in the 1800 block of Hugh Allan Drive, at about 1 am.

When they arrived, they found the man was hosting a “non-COVID-19-compliant game” with nine other people, none of whom lived in the home.

They were not properly distanced from one another, police said, and were not wearing masks. Sanitation stations were not available either, police added.

Police said the man was “very uncooperative” and therefore arrested for obstructing officers.

He was released, but issued with fines totalling just under $3,000.

The fines, issued under the COVID-19 Related Measures Act (CRMA), were:

• Section 2(2) - Schedule 2, Item 23.5 - Contravention of Gatherings and Events Order ($2300)

• Section 5 - Schedule 2, Item 23.5 - Fail to comply with direction from enforcement officer ($230)

• Section 4 - Schedule 2, Item 23.5 - Promote or encourage attendance at non-compliant gathering or event ($230)

• Section 6(1) - Schedule 2, Item 23.5 - Abusive or belligerent behaviour ($230)

"It is disheartening when our police officers have to attend such gatherings putting themselves at risk of catching COVID-19 and bringing it home to their families when it can be avoided,” Supt. Syd Lecky said.

“The uncooperative nature of the homeowner just makes this even more troublesome.

"Our priority is to educate people to change their behaviour for the safety of everyone."

Earlier this week, a homeowner in Saanich was fined $2,300 for hosting a poker game in a garage.

Read about provincial rules on gatherings here.