Agents of the Canary Police have fined 18 people for breaching anti-Covid restrictions in Gran Canaria, when they were caught playing bingo in a neighbourhood association centre, and in addition, the president of the association faces two sanctions for keeping the premises open while the island is at alert Level 3 and for allowing gambling in an unauthorized premises.
The Canary Police were sent to the centre in Las Palmas after emergency services received a call from angry residents complaining that Covid restrictions were being broken.
After entering the premises they found 18 people all playing Bingo, who were observing social distancing and four to a table, but being in Level 3 the use of the inside of the centre is forbidden, and Bingo is classed as illegal gambling under Spanish gambling laws.
After verifying what was taking place, officers proceeded to initiate disciplinary proceedings against those present and seized 1,041 euros in cash, a logbook of the game, and the material to play Bingo with.
Firstly a fine was issued to the president of the neighbourhood association for a serious infraction for failing to comply with Decree 14/2020, of September 4, as maintaining activities in the neighbourhood association centre while Gran Canaria is at Level 3 is not allowed, which carries a penalty of between 3,001 and 60,000 euros.
Secondly, a gaming inspection report was also drawn up, so the same person also faces a possible fine of between 1,500 and 10,000 euros for committing a serious violation of Law 8/2010, of July 15, on games and betting, which in section b of article 31 states: “allowing gambling or betting in unauthorized establishments, or by unauthorized persons, as well as the installation or operation of gaming machines lacking the corresponding authorization or without have completed the declaration of responsibility.”
Thirdly, fines were issued to the rest of the attendees of 120 euros because they took part in: “a meeting, event or any type of act, in public or private spaces, in which interaction or celebration restrictions are breached in a manner established prevention measures legislation.”
The General Corps of the Canary Police reminds citizens of the need to maintain the safety and prevention guidelines against Coivid-19, which were updated on Thursday January 22nd after passing the islands of Lanzarote and La Graciosa to level 4. Gran Canaria remains at level 3, Tenerife and El Hierro go to level 2. Meanwhile, La Palma and La Gomera retain level 1.
