Council takes aim at Granville Street hooligans with motion to double fines for fighting
Credit to Author: Harrison Mooney| Date: Fri, 06 Dec 2019 22:53:24 +0000
Vancouver council is set to consider a motion targeting disorderly conduct in the Granville Street entertainment district by doubling fines for fighting.
The motion championed by Coun. Melissa De Genova, who has long urged council to crack down on those fined for fighting on city streets, would increase the fine for such offences to $1,000 from $500 — the maximum penalty allowed for a ticket under the Vancouver Charter.
The Vancouver Police Department has expressed support for the increase, which could help deter hooliganism in an area known for its drunken, late-night fights. In October, for instance, a massive, early morning brawl resulted in three people being hospitalized with serious stab wounds.
A fatal Granville Street stabbing earlier in the year led council to consider installing CCTV cameras along Granville Street, but that plan was rejected.
This latest plan appears likelier to be approved by council, especially as it also seeks incentives for voluntary payment of these fines. Collection of unpaid bylaw fines issued for fighting has been an issue for the City of Vancouver and other municipalities.
Under the motion, set to be considered Tuesday, fines paid within 30 days would be reduced by 50 per cent, falling back to their original rate of $500.
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