VANCOUVER Police arrested a 24-year-old man on Christmas Day for repeatedly violating the Public Health Order that bans parties and social gatherings.

“Our officers issued multiple warnings and issued tickets to this man over several weeks, asking him to stop hosting parties during the pandemic,” said Sgt. Steve Addison on Wednesday. “He made clear that he has no plans to stop, so our officers obtained an arrest warrant and he spent Christmas in jail.”

The Vancouver resident was arrested December 25, and released from jail on Boxing Day. He is now bound by bail conditions and can be arrested again if he violates them. He must now answer the door if police knock, must comply with all provincial health orders, and can only have two other people in his residence.

Vancouver Police have received 12 complaints about noise and parties at the man’s downtown apartment since September, and they issued two $2,300 tickets earlier this month. After a neighbour complained about another loud party on December 18, officers worked with Crown counsel to obtain a warrant.

As a result, the man has been charged under Section 99 of the Public Health Order.

“This should serve as a reminder to anyone who thinks it’s still ok to ignore the Public Health Order and put other people at risk,” noted Addison.

The COVID-19 Related 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 tickets for unlawful social gatherings since the Public Health Order took effect.