Vancouver bars stopped serving alcohol at 8 p.m., so you won't be able to enjoy a drink at a local establishment.
That said, if you plan to wander the streets with a flask, you could get slapped with a hefty fine from Vancouver Police.
Alcohol consumption is not allowed in public. If you plan on walking around on Granville Street into the wee hours with a beverage in tow, you can be fined $230 for liquor consumption.
Officers will be out enforcing liquor laws tonight, but they also advise you to stay in after 10 p.m., too.
The VPD encourages everyone to stay home, but anyone venturing out should only go with people from their household. However, the fewer people that head out tonight, the better.
TransLink won't be providing any free rides this year, either, so plan ahead. This year, they are also sticking to regular service hours, rather than the extended ones they have used in the past.
Call 3-1-1 to report violations of the Covid-19 Related Health Measures Act, including unlawful social gatherings. Remember that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only.
Here is what VPD is doing to promote a safe and happy New Year
- Additional officers will be deployed throughout the city, including in Gastown and the Granville entertainment districts. These officers will respond to any incidents related to New Year’s Eve and will work proactively to promote public safety.
- Officers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers. CounterAttack road blocks will be in effect, and drivers impaired or affected by drugs or alcohol will have their licenses suspended and vehicles impounded.
- Police officers will remind people gathering in groups that the Public Health Order is in effect, and will have discretion to issue tickets to those in violation of the health order. Liquor enforcement will take place in the entertainment districts and near transit stations.
- VPD officers will investigate reports of house parties and other unlawful social gatherings in households, and could issue $2,300 tickets to party hosts.
