Solicitor General Shirley Bond issued the following statement today in response to the early closure of liquor stores in downtown Vancouver:

"It is incredible to see the province come together to cheer on our Canucks. Last Friday, there were an estimated 100,000 people gathered in downtown Vancouver, and that number is expected to increase following tonight's game. Unfortunately, alcohol consumption on the streets and public intoxication reached an unacceptable level on Friday, and we have a responsibility to ensure everyone can enjoy public events and celebrations in a safe manner.

"The Liquor Control and Licensing Branch received information from, and consulted with, provincial liquor enforcement staff, Vancouver Police, the BC Ambulance Service and Vancouver Coastal Health. The general manager of the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch has concluded there is a real and serious threat to public safety from the public consumption of alcohol, intoxication levels and public disorder. Therefore, the general manager has ordered that the six public and 13 private liquor stores in downtown Vancouver to close at 4 p.m. today. This was done during the Olympics, and there was an immediate reduction of alcohol-related violence and disorder.

"The decision to close liquor outlets early is made on a day-by-day basis and the decision is not taken lightly. We are aware of the inconvenience for customers and the impact on the businesses that must close early. However, protecting public safety must be our overriding concern.

"Police will be out early to meet the crowds coming into the downtown core. Officers will be concentrating on liquor enforcement at SkyTrain stations, the Georgia Street fan zone and in the Granville entertainment district throughout the evening.

"Let's show the world once again that British Columbians know how to celebrate in a safe and responsible manner."

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
250 356-6961