Vancouver party bus operator facing $50,000 fine

Credit to Author: David Carrigg| Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2019 02:54:10 +0000

Authorities have made good on a promise to get tough on rogue party bus operators as the Christmas season arrives.

Vancouver police officer Mark Christensen said through Twitter that on Dec. 6 he was part of a Passenger Transportation Board team that stopped a party bus that had 18 people inside. They were younger than 19 and drinking alcohol.

The passengers were removed from the bus and the operator now faces fines of up to $50,000 and their operating licence is under review.

I have been corrected on the fine amount… this is still an on going investigation and the administrative fine could go as high as $50000.00 to the licensee. https://t.co/jsHiaYdbYz

B.C.’s Liquor Control and Licensing Act bans any opened alcohol containers in any vehicle, including party buses.

In April 2019, the provincial government introduced a range of new rules around party buses, including that a chaperon must be present if the group is under the legal drinking age, and that chaperons must have first aid training.

Christensen said there was no chaperon present in the bus that was pulled over last Friday.

On Dec. 5, the government revealed fines for non-compliance would be increased from $1,500 to $50,000 and that it would by stopping and inspecting party buses this Christmas season.

There have been a number of tragedies over the past 12 years related to party buses and limousines.

dcarrigg@postmedia.com

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