Nearly a week and a half after London police busted up a Halloween house party with more than 100 people in attendance, charges have been laid against the alleged 23-year-old host.
Officers were called to the gathering at a townhouse on Beaufort Street near Western and Wharncliffe roads early in the morning on October 31. The more than 100 attendees spilled out from inside the home into the townhouse complex parking area.
The party followed weeks of pleas from the Middlesex London Health Unit that Halloween parties be scrapped this year to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Video surveillance from a neighbouring home quickly began making the rounds on social media, fueling outrage within the community.
In the days after the large gathering, London police, City of London bylaw officers, and public health investigators interviewed witnesses and pieced together an investigation into the events of the night.
As a result, a 23-year-old London man is charged with hosting a nuisance party, participating in an indoor gathering exceeding 10 people, and hosting an indoor gathering exceeding 10 people.
A 24-year-old man was also charged with participating in an indoor gathering exceeding 10 people.
Both men are scheduled to appear in provincial offences court in relation to the charges on January 25.
Under the Reopening Ontario Act, introduced as a result of the ongoing pandemic, indoor gatherings are capped at ten people, while outdoor get-togethers are limited to 25 people. The size restrictions apply to private social gatherings including parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs, or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks, and other recreational areas.
Fines for violating gathering restrictions range from $750 for attendees and $10,000 for hosts.
Anyone concerned about individuals or businesses breaking COVID-19 related orders are encouraged to contact the City of London by email at COVIDOrderConcerns@london.ca or call 519-661-4660. While emails are monitored 24 hours, seven days a week, phone lines are only open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
