Public drinking allowed at four Vancouver plazas

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — You can now legally drink alcohol in public at four locations in Vancouver.

Starting Monday, you can down a beer, sip some wine or enjoy whatever alcohol you like, including the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery, as well as sections of Bute near Robson streets, West 17th Avenue near Cambie Street, and what’s called “Lot 19,” near the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Four Vancouver locations are part of a pilot project to support establishments during the COVID-19 pandemic, since fewer people are able to drink indoors.

The pilot project is expected to last until the second week of October, but the city could make some tweaks if there are problems.

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Vancouver Coastal Health and the Vancouver Police Department were consulted and determined a monitoring plan is required for the duration of the pilot to ensure public health and safety.

In a separate decision, the Vancouver Park Board previously voted in favour of a pilot project allowing alcohol in 22 locations around the city. However, the province will need to make changes to legislation, meaning the pilot project might not start until next year.

The City of North Vancouver voted in June to allow drinking alcohol in public places. Port Coquitlam followed, allowing drinking alcohol in seven parks.