Big White restaurant earns hefty fine for party that broke COVID-19 rules

A Big White restaurant that hosted a party earlier this year has been hit with a large fine for going against COVID-19 safety protocols.

In March, a video posted to social media showed a large group of people dancing, singing and kissing, all without wearing masks or social distancing from one another in Charley Victoria's All Day Après. 

Multiple complaints were made to both Big White Ski Resort, which owns the space, and to the RCMP.

READ MORE: Big White restaurant owner issues apology for party that broke COVID rules

“WorkSafeBC conducted an inspection after learning a party had taken place on the premises that violated provincial health orders for preventing the transmission of COVID-19. In addition, the party contravened the employer's COVID-19 Safety Plan protocols for capacity, physical distancing, mask wearing, and barriers between patrons and staff. The employer failed to ensure the health and safety of all workers present at its worksite, a high-risk violation,” according to WorkSafeBC.

The $3,496.31 fine was issued June 23.

The party was held when a mandatory mask mandate was in effect indoors, and restaurants could not seat patrons indoors due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases throughout the province.

Owner Justin Reid said on Facebook after the party it was an “ignorant decision” made out of frustration with the announcement regarding COVID-19 health orders.

“We have no further business relationship with them, that’s ended,” Big White Ski Resort senior vice president Michael J. Ballingall said today, Aug. 12. “It was a very civilized separation.”

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