Islanders appear to be adhering to the rules since a provincial mask mandate came into effect last week, according to police forces around the region.
While Port Alberni RCMP had to respond to reports of a man urinating on the counter of a Dairy Queen over the weekend after he was refused service due to his lack of a mask, incidents of customers causing a scene because of mask requirements are rare.
Sgt. Chris Manseau, divisional media relations officer with the RCMP, said they’re not getting many calls, and certainly none like the one at the Port Alberni fast-food restaurant.
“I’m not seeing incidents like this. I’m not sure what frustration this person experienced to come back and make this decision, but it definitely wasn’t the right decision, that’s for sure,” he said.
Saanich police spokesman Const. Markus Anastasiades said his department has received just three calls about patrons refusing to wear masks since the order came into effect Aug. 25, and all three incidents were resolved before police arrived.
Anastasiades said police are ready to help any business that is dealing with belligerent customers refusing to wear masks or abide by other provincial health restrictions.
“While we currently don’t have the authority to issue violation tickets specific to wearing masks in indoor public settings like we did in the past, our goal is to remind and educate patrons that aren’t in compliance and work toward a peaceful resolution.”
Manseau echoed those sentiments, noting businesses should not hesitate to call police.
Businesses could face more pressure when the province’s proof-of-vaccination policy comes into effect this month.
Premier John Horgan has advised businesses of all stripes to contact police to help enforce the policy, but the union representing RCMP members has noted the province does not have the resources and funding to properly enforce the policy.
Starting Sept. 13, British Columbians 12 years and older will need to provide proof of at least one dose of vaccine to enter non-essential businesses and events such as sports competitions, nightclubs, restaurants and movies.
By Oct. 24, only fully vaccinated people will be permitted entry.
The RCMP’s senior media relations officer, Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet, said the RCMP and municipal police colleagues are discussing enforcement options with the province.
“We are aware that any kind of enforcement requires clear guidelines and authorities and anticipate there could be an impact on front-line police resources,” she said.
Brian Sauvé of the National Police Federation has said the police union will be presenting a pre-budget submission to the province on Sept. 2 that will call for increased long-term funding for RCMP services.
