77 people fined, 1 man arrested after packed penthouse party in downtown Vancouver

UPDATE:Vancouver man charged for allegedly running makeshift nightclub released on bail

Seventy-seven people have been fined and a 42-year-old man has been arrested after Vancouver police shut down a makeshift nightclub ata Richards Street penthouse in downtown Vancouver.

Police issued $17,000 in fines early Sunday and said they found the 1,100-square-foot penthouse packed with people in violation of current public health orders.

Police did not confirm charges against the 42-year-old on Sunday,butMohammad Movassaghiwas listed on court documents with two counts offailing to comply with theorder of a healthofficer.

The penthouse operation appeared to be running as a nightclub and show lounge, police said,and featured menus, tables, point-of-sale terminals and cash tills.

No one inside the three-storey apartment was wearing a mask.

"Let this be a lesson to anyone who thinks the rules don't apply to them," Sgt. Steve Addison said in a written statement.

"If you are caught hosting or attending a party during the pandemic, and continue to break the rules, you could face stiff fines or wind up in jail."

While CBCNews has not been able to speak with Movassaghi, he identifies himself on Facebookas the owner of the suite.

WATCH |DetailsfromSgt. Steve Addison and images of the penthouse building:

Vancouver police shut down makeshift nightclub

3 years ago

Duration 1:53

A 42-year-old man was arrested in connection with the penthouse parties. Officers found 78 people inside the apartment.

3rd party in 2 weeks

Vancouver police first launched an investigation last week after a witness calledto report a large party inside a penthouse apartment near Richards Street and Georgia Street.

Police handed out numerous fines to a man who was allegedly working as a doorman. However, the party host refused to open the door and was defiant with police.

Officers returned early Sunday with a search warrant after two additional large parties were held this weekend.

Each party-goer was fined$230 for attending a non-compliant event. The party host was arrested under the Public Health Act and taken to jail, according to police.

British Columbia's COVID-19 restrictionsban gathering with anyone outside your household.

As of Friday, there were4,557 active cases of the disease in the province, with292 people in hospital, 74 of whom are in intensive care.