A businessman along with two of his patrons have been arrested and charged on separate offenses under the State of Emergency (SOE). They are 32-year-old Hongbin He, owner of Cooking Master Restaurant, along with 32-year-old Nan Cheng and 35-year-old Amber Wu. He was charged with allowing persons to enter and remain inside his business establishment without a face mask. To this, he pleaded not guilty and was offered bail in the sum of $800 which he met. He is due back in court on April 1, 2021.
For failing to wear a mask, Cheng pleaded not guilty and was offered bail in the sum of $600 plus one surety of the same which she met. She is due back in court on April 7, 2021. Likewise, Wu pleaded not guilty.
Before, the fine for these offenses was $5,000. Now, if a person accused is not challenging the charge, they are issued a ticket to pay $500 within 15 days after which $10 is added for every outstanding day. The aim of this system is to help with the overcrowding at the Belize City Magistrate’s Court.
