Packed UBC frat party shut down by police for violating health orders

Police issued thousands of dollars in fines after breaking up a party with hundreds of students in the fraternity village at the University of British Columbia over the weekend.

RCMP were called to the frat village on Wesbrook Mall on Sunday, according to a statement. Officers arrived to find hundreds of students gathered inside several different housesand in the outdoor courtyard, despite public health orders prohibiting indoor gatherings of more than 50.

A Snapchat video of the event supplied by RCMP showed a crowd of young people dancing indoors, most of them not wearing masks. "Who said party life at UBC wasn't a thing," the caption read.

RCMP said few people were wearing masks at the party and physical distancing was impossible because the space was so small.

Officers issued $5,000 in fines for hosting a non-compliant event.

"We are asking that students ensure they observe all public health orders. We have worked hard to get this far over the past 30 months. Let's stay safe and healthy," RCMP Const.Christina Martin wrote in the statement.

Police said theywill be working with the university to ensure student events on or off campus follow public health orders.