Bedford business fined $7,500 for ignoring COVID-19 restrictions

A sports facility in Bedford was hit with a hefty fine Monday for operating contrary to Public Health regulations.

Gyms in the area are supposed to be closed, but Halifax Regional Police said officers found staff and customers training inside the facility Monday morning.

The business was charged with failing to comply under the Emergency Measures Act and fined $7,500.

“The fines are here, and they are substantial for those reasons because it’s a very serious time. People are putting people’s lives at risk by not following these measures laid out by the health department,” Const. John MacLeod, a police spokesperson, said in an interview.

MacLeod declined to name the business, saying police don’t do that with summary offence tickets.

On Nov. 26, additional restrictions were put in place for Halifax and Hants County in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19. The province ordered the two-week closure of a number of businesses, including libraries, museums, gyms and yoga studios. Bars and restaurants could only offer takeout.

MacLeod said Monday’s case is the first time Halifax Regional Police has fined a business under the Emergency Measures Act.

“The warnings are there, and they have been there for a long time,” he said.