VANCOUVER Police arrested two party hosts at a downtown condo on Saturday morning for allegedly violating the public health order that bans social gatherings inside residences.

“After repeated complaints from the public and unsuccessful efforts to convince these hosts to stop having parties, our officers obtained a search warrant and forced entry into the condo Saturday to arrest two men,” said Sgt. Steve Addison.

“The alleged hosts were taken to jail, and six guests were issued $230 tickets for being at the gathering.”

Saturday’s arrests came after 10 previous complaints about noise and parties in the high-rise condo, near Burrard and Alberni Street.

“Our officers will continue to make every effort to speak with violators, to remind them of the rules, and to convince them to obey the health order,” said Addison. “But, when someone flagrantly ignores the law and puts others at risk of contracting COVID, we will use our legal powers to hold them accountable.”

Manjinder Sagoo, 37, is now charged with three counts of failing to comply with an order of the health officer, contrary to Section 99 on the B.C. Public Health Act.

Sanad Rayes, 35, is charged with two counts of failing to comply with an order of the health officer, contrary to Section 99 on the B.C. Public Health Act.

The Emergency Program Act bans social gatherings of any size inside residences, but allows people who live alone to host two people with whom they regularly socialize.