Eleven teenagers who refused to follow COVID protocols were each given a $230 fine by Nanaimo RCMP.
Mounties approached the youth as they were gathered in the parking lot of Dover Bay High School in Nanaimo around 11:45 p.m. on Saturday. The officer told the youth about the risks associated with their behaviour and told them to disperse.
The officer left the area, but returned a short time later to find more cars and more teens. Many were walking around the parking lot without masks and going back and forth between vehicles to speak with friends, said Nanaimo RCMP spokesman Const. Gary O’Brien.
Given their lack of regard after being told to disperse, the officer elected to issue each with a violation ticket in hopes that the behaviour would not continue throughout the holiday season, O’Brien said.
The youth were respectful, apologetic and understanding of why they were receiving a ticket, police said. Eleven teens received a $230 fine under Section 4 of the COVID Related Measures Act.
