It’s holiday season again and the Government of B.C. is reminding British Columbians to celebrate safely and make good decisions when riding in limousines or any vehicle with perimeter seating during celebrations.

“We want everyone to travel safely during Christmas and New Year’s festivities and there are many options for getting around when celebrating with family and friends,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. “Whether it’s personal cars with designated drivers, limousines and buses, or public transit, we encourage everyone to think ahead about getting home safely at the end of the evening, and remember that it is illegal to consume alcohol in any of these transportation modes.”

In February, the Province changed the licensing regulation for perimeter seating limousines to increase safety and accountability in B.C.’s limousine industry. Since then, 79 licensees have been approved by the Passenger Transportation Board to operate 171 vehicles with the new Special Authorization licence.

Licensees have to display their passenger transportation licence plate and decal on every vehicle. This allows government and law enforcement to better enforce the industry and motivate operators to provide a service that is safe and compliant with provincial laws.

Since the enhanced licensing requirements, the passenger transportation registrar has led compliance and education activities with industry related to the advertising of alcohol in vehicles. Advertising cannot allude to the consumption of alcohol in a company-operated vehicle – it is illegal.

“We have been pleased to see the positive actions taken by the limousine industry to educate their clients and comply with existing laws,” added Stone. “Consumers, especially those booking trips for minors, are encouraged to look for licensees that advertise strict policies related to drinking in vehicles.”

To support industry’s efforts to raise awareness of liquor laws in B.C., the registrar has sent every licensed operator in B.C. a decal for display in their vehicles, reminding passengers that “consuming alcohol in any vehicle is illegal in B.C.” Almost 800 of the decals have been provided to operators free of charge. They can also use the decal on their websites, for social media and other communications.

“We all have a role to play to ensure that holiday festivities, formal or informal, are safe, including the transportation to and from these events,” said Chief Constable Neil Dubord, chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee. “Consuming alcohol in any private or commercial vehicle is illegal in B.C. whether the vehicle is moving or not. Police across the province will be out enforcing Motor Vehicle Act and Liquor Control and Licensing Act infractions – we can all help prevent a tragedy by always planning ahead for a safe ride home.”