Prince George nightclub ordered to close for a 2nd time, even as B.C.'s pandemic restrictions are lifted - Action News
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British Columbia

Prince George nightclub ordered to close for a 2nd time, even as B.C.'s pandemic restrictions are lifted

Videos posted on the Lambda Cabaret's social media account celebrate clubgoers as they defy mask mandates and the club refuses to check vaccination status.

Lambda Cabaret was allowed to reopen under relaxed rules but continues to defy mask and vaccine mandates

A number of people dance in a dark nightclub, as seen in a video still
The Lambda Cabaret in Prince George has been defying public health orders, such as allowing people to dance unmasked, as can be seen in videos posted to its Facebook page. (Lambda Cabaret/Facebook)

For the second time, Northern Health has ordered Prince George's Lambda Cabaret to closefor defying public health mandates, even as nightclubs across the province reopen with new relaxed rules.

"It is a new order, effective [February] 19th," said Northern Health spokesperson Eryn Collins.

"Our environmental health officers and staff attended over the weekend at the establishment and documented ongoing non-compliance with health orders that continued which is, of course, proof of vaccination and the wearing of masks."

Lambda Cabaret has openly defied public health authorities for almost a month, fully reopening early February despite provincewide pandemic orders closing clubs and bars that do not serve food.

Videos shared on the club's social media accounts celebratedmaskless clubgoersas they dancedon the packed dance floor. Signs at the club doors stated staff werenot checking mandated vaccine passports.

A sign is posted next to the front door of the then-Lambda Cabaret stating COVID-19 vaccines or passports are not required.
The front door of Prince George's Lambda Cabaret is pictured. To the right of the door is a sign that states the club is not requiring COVID-19 vaccine passports or mandatory masking. (Kate Partridge/CBC News)

Northern Heath initially ordered the club to close Feb.9because of the violations. The club continued to operate.The B.C.Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) subsequently suspended the club's liquor licence.

Last week, the B.C. government relaxedpublic health orders to allowclubs and bars to reopen.The orders closing Lambda Cabaret and its liquor licence suspensionwere rescinded.

Northern Health says the cabaret could face new fines and punishment for violatingthis new order,past orders, or continuing to operate in defiance of public healthauthorities.

"[Inspectors] can issue violations, tickets. There areprosecution and other legal actions that can be taken to enforce warning letters and closure orders if that non-compliance continues," Collins said.

CBC News has asked Lambda Cabaret for a responsebut did not receive a reply as of the time of publication.