Vancouver expands drinking in public plazas program
You’ll now be able to enjoy an adult beverage in several Vancouver public plazas year-round, rather than just in the summer months.
City council has voted to expand its Drinking in Public Plazas Program, approving six such plazas to be part of the 2023-2024 program.
“Time and time again we have seen that Vancouverites can be trusted to safely and responsibly enjoy alcoholic drinks in shared public spaces. We’re incredibly pleased to support the expansion of this program,” said Mayor Ken Sim.
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A Vancouver public plaza where drinking alcohol is allowed during certain hours of the day. (CityNews Image)
“Community connection and spaces for public life are so important for our well-being and quality of life. Having plazas that allow alcohol consumption year-round will help make our city more vibrant while supporting local businesses.”
The year-round plazas will be open from May 15, 2023, until May 14, 2024.
Locations include:
- Cambie St and W 17th Ave (Plaza steward: Cambie Village Business Association)
- Cambie St and W 18th Ave (Cambie Village Business Association)
- Granville St and W 13th Ave (South Granville Business Improvement Association)
- Granville St and W 14th Ave (South Granville Business Improvement Association)
- Lot 19, 855 West Hastings St (Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association)
- Main St and E 21st Ave (Coco et Olive, Little Mountain Neighbourhood House, residents)
One spring/summer-only plaza will also be available from May 15, 2023, until Oct. 31, 2023, at Maple Street and W 4th Avenue.
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Hours will differ between the summer and non-summer months. The city says from May 15 until Oct. 16, plazas will be open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. From Oct. 17 to May 14, plazas will be open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The city says plaza locations are based on walkability to essential amenities like public washrooms. It adds temporary portable washrooms will be installed where such amenities aren’t available.
Drinking in public plazas was made a permanent summer program in Vancouver last year.
“To the many people like me who do not have access to a backyard or private outdoor space, these plazas give us all a chance to connect and socialize with one another while enjoying a drink outside,” then-Mayor Kennedy Stewart said.
