Hosts of Vancouver parties are arrested and charged, say police

VANCOUVER – Two hosts of what police say were repeated parties in a condominium in Vancouver’s West End have been arrested on allegations of violating public health orders.

Vancouver police say officers used a search warrant when they went to the highrise and forced their way in on Saturday to arrest two men.

The arrests came after 10 previous complaints to police about noise and parties.

Sgt. Steve Addison says the hosts were taken to jail, while six guests were each issued $230 tickets for being at the gathering.

The men now face charges of failing to comply with an order of the provincial health officer under the B.C. Public Health Act.

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

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 8, 2021.