(Newser)
– The refusal of a New Year’s reseller to wear a mask in a taxi cost him $ 690 in fines and some time in the drunk tank in Victoria, British Columbia, reports Powell River Peak. The man, who got into a taxi on Friday around 1 am, refused “belligerently” to wear a face covering in accordance with local warrants and allegedly touched the driver’s face. So the taxi driver, who had been in contact with 911, drove directly to the police headquarters, according to CBC, where the officers were waiting.
The passenger was fined three USD 230 each for not covering his face, abusive or belligerent behavior and for not respecting an officer (he allegedly refused to leave the cabin and had to be removed), according to a statement from the Victoria Police Department. He also received tickets for public poisoning and was imprisoned until he calmed down. The trio of fines amounted to the largest COVID-related punishment handed down by the department, according to reports. (Read more New Year’s Eve stories.)