SURREY RCMP COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team (CCET) issued 14 tickets to a group of individuals gambling at a local business in Whalley.

Shortly after 9 p.m. on February 18, 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 $2,300 for hosting a non-compliant gathering, totaling just over $5,000 in fines.

“It was evident that this was a full house of non-compliant individuals,” said Sgt. Elenore Sturko, Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer. “We are not bluffing when we say we intend to enforcement the public health orders.”

“Do not roll the dice and turn your health into a game of chance, follow the BC provincial public health orders,” is her advice.