An unlicensed cannabis dispensary and someone selling produce out of their vehicle were among the latest 30 charges and fines issued under Brampton’s physical distancing bylaw in the previous week.

“Someone was selling produce from their vehicle in a parking lot, not once but three times in two days and now they have to answer the charges in court,” Mayor Patrick Brown told reporters during an April 22 phone-in news conference, adding the city received more than 375 complaints with 111 warnings issued as well.

“Despite being issued several warnings, the individual refused to comply and as a result, the city issued tickets for failing to comply with a provincial order contrary to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA),” added the city in an email statement regarding the incident. “Although the food sector in general is an essential business, the nature of the operations in this investigation is unauthorized.”

Brown also listed a group of people painting in a park and others using closed park equipment, residents using dog parks and an unlicensed cannabis store that was not only raided by police, but saw four people receive $880 tickets.

“There were complaints coming in about an illegal cannabis dispensary that was operating, that was busy, and causing a potential risk of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. On Tuesday, April 22 the investigation culminated in a search warrant being executed by the Peel Regional Police under the Cannabis Control Act,” said Brown.

“During the investigation, bylaw enforcement officers charged four individuals under our Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for failing to comply with the provincial order,” he added.

The city had issued 298 warnings and 73 fines under the bylaw as of April 22. Implemented at the end of March, the bylaw prohibits public or private gatherings of more than five people not of the same family and residence, and includes measures requiring people to remain six feet apart when in public. Ten new bylaw officers were added to bolster the department's ranks to enforce the new rules. They have conducted more than 4,000 proactive inspections.

“I want to thank our bylaw and enforcement team who are doing a tremendous job under difficult conditions,” said Brown. “We cannot ignore the advice of public health, and our bylaw officers will make sure those that are risking the safety of the rest of the community will face stiff financial penalties.”