Vegans have been asked to show proof of vaccination at the front door, but so far, only 3 tickets have been issued to individuals or businesses for non-compliance with the province's new vaccine card system. Why is this happening? And why are there so many more rule breakers than there have been tickets issued?
00:00:00.000The second count on one hand, how many tickets have been issued to individuals and or businesses for not following the vaccine card rules.
00:00:08.640And it's this many, three, a grand total of three tickets.
00:00:12.240And that's surprising to a lot of people seeing that we've heard and seen a lot of restaurants pushing back against the vaccine card system itself, including Cordroy Restaurant behind me here.
00:00:27.260As far as I'm concerned, I'm complying with the page order.
00:00:32.620This was a video posted to the Cordroy Restaurant Instagram page last week.
00:00:37.560Vancouver police said a fine was issued by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, but Vancouver police did not issue a ticket.
00:00:44.660The restaurant itself is arguing that it is counter service only, so the penalties should not apply to them.
00:00:51.380Businesses could be fined as much as $2,300, and individuals can be ticketed up to $575.
00:00:58.640Now, a local polling company called Insights West also released a study over the weekend that showed one in every three people, roughly, surveyed, said they had visited an establishment where no one asked them to show their proof of vaccination.
00:01:12.100So why were only three tickets issued out so far?
00:01:16.080Well, there appear to be so many more rule breakers.
00:01:19.520The province said now at least it's focusing for now on education over enforcement.
00:01:26.380Enforcement officials are working on the complaints as they come in.
00:01:31.580Obviously, you want to make sure that they're thoroughly investigated and that they are examined carefully.
00:01:37.680And then from that, they make the decision on what the most appropriate level of enforcement is.
00:01:44.160And what I can tell you is that it is happening.
00:01:46.680Tickets have been issued and that there will be more coming.
00:01:50.520Kamal, the food and beverage industry is watching this very closely.
00:01:53.900Have they said anything publicly about it?
00:01:57.480I just got off the phone with the head of the Alliance of Beverage Licensees.
00:02:01.820And he said he is annoyed because he himself, Chris, has flagged a lot more than three businesses that have been breaking or skirting the vaccine card system and the checking system itself at the front door.
00:02:15.320So he said this sets a terrible example when only three tickets have been issued, but there are a lot more rule breakers.