Nanaimo city council put some more bite into its business bylaw Monday by increasing maximum fines from $2,000 to $10,000 for local businesses found trading, selling or distributing shark fins or shark fin products.
During previous discussions with city staff, council realized that its business licence bylaw needed some more teeth to deter business from selling the Chinese delicacy within Nanaimo city limits.
A city report said the new maximum fine reflects "council's desire to send a strong message to deter the use of shark fins." Only one known business in Nanaimo has sold the product and, according to city officials, said it will come in compliance with the new law. Repeat offenders can still have their business licence revoked.
Nanaimo follows other B.C. municipalities and U.S. states in banning shark fins products.