Vancouver extends alcohol in public plazas program
Posted April 10, 2024 12:03 pm.
Last Updated April 10, 2024 1:50 pm.
For the fifth summer in a row, people in Vancouver will be able to drink an adult beverage in public plazas throughout the city.
On Wednesday, Vancouver city council voted in favour of extending its Drinking in Public Plaza Program until May 2025.
“The program has operated for four successful years in Vancouver, providing residents and visitors with safe, no-cost options where they can socialize, connect and enjoy alcoholic drinks responsibly,” the city explained in a statement.
Mayor Ken Sim says the city is “committed” to supporting public spaces.
“A huge component of the program’s success are the plaza and community stewards who care for these spaces daily. I want to extend a personal note of gratitude to the stewards for all that they do to ensure these plazas serve as places for community connection, diverse public life and responsible drinking,” he said.
People may drink alcoholic beverages at six sites around the city all year round. These are:
- Cambie St and 17th Ave
- Cambie St and 18th Ave
- Granville St and 13th Ave
- Granville St and 14th Ave
- Lot 19, 855 West Hastings St
- Main St and 21st Ave
The public plaza at Maple Street and 4th Avenue is open to alcohol consumption from May 15 to Oct. 31.
The city explains these locations were chosen in 2020, the first year of the program, due to their proximity to essential amenities like washrooms.
