The general manager of the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch has determined there is again a real and serious threat to public safety that warrants the closure of 13 private and six public liquors stores located in downtown Vancouver tomorrow at 4 p.m.

Following the early closure of liquor stores on Monday, June 13, provincial liquor inspectors and Vancouver police reported a significant decline in the presence of open liquor on the streets resulting in far fewer liquor-related problems and liquor pour-outs. The atmosphere in the Granville Entertainment District was more positive with fewer disturbances. This is a similar result to the early liquor store closures during the Olympics.

It is expected that tomorrow's Game 7 will bring the largest crowd yet to the downtown area of Vancouver. Controlling the ready access to alcohol is a significant part of the strategy for making sure fans of all ages can enjoy the energy of a large crowd without compromising their safety.

Vancouver police will again 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.

The authority to order early closure rests solely with the general manager under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act.

The decision to adjust store hours is made under section 23 of the Liquor Control and Licensing Act which gives the general manager of the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch the power to temporarily suspend or impose conditions on a liquor licence for up to 24 hours where it is in the interest of public safety to do so.

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

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

BACKGROUNDER

The following liquor stores have been ordered to close early:

Private stores:

Coal Harbour Liquor Store

Crosstown Liquor Store

Denman Place Wines

Dover Arms Liquor Store

Jimmy's Cold Beer and Wine Store

Liberty Wines

Sheraton Vancouver Fine Spirits

Spirit of Howe Beer and Wine

St. Regis Fine Wines and Spirits

Steamworks Licensee Retail Store

Sutton Place Wine Merchant

Viti Wine and Lagers

Yaletown Liquor Store

The following public stores will also be closed early:

Alberni and Bute

Robson

Cardero

Bute

Yaletown

Harbor Centre

Contact:

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