Drinking in public plazas

Public plazas where drinking is allowed

2022 plaza locations will operate from 11am to 9pm daily between June 15 and October 16, 2022, at:

• Cambie St and 17th Ave
• Granville St and 13th Ave
• Granville St and 14th Ave
• Maple St and 4th Ave 
• Main St and 21st Ave
• Lot 19 (855 W Hastings St)

Alcohol can also be consumed at select parks across the city.

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  How the sites were selected

  Public plaza sites were proposed by community partners and reviewed by City staff according to set criteria, including the nearby land uses and existing management plans for day-to-day plaza operations.

  Plaza sites were also reviewed by the Vancouver Police Department and Vancouver Coastal Health. 

  Note We continue to work with our community partners to ensure these public spaces are safe, properly managed, and well-maintained.

About the program

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  History

  In June 2020, City Council directed staff to update its alcohol by-law to allow people to drink in public plazas as a temporary pilot program for summer 2020.

  On May 18, 2021, Council directed staff to continue this pilot for summer 2021. The two pilots supported residents and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic public health measures.

  On March 30, 2022, Council approved a policy allowing for the continuation of this work as a formal Drinking in Public Plazas Program.

  Why we are continuing the program

  The 2020 and 2021 pilots demonstrated that drinking in public plazas can be done respectfully and responsibly. Feedback from the public and from plaza partners was strongly supportive. Monitoring did not find any health, safety, or nuisance issues resulting from the pilots.  

  The program will continue to enable residents to responsibly enjoy a drink outdoors whether or not they have access to a backyard or other private outdoor space. It offers a no-cost and flexible option for socializing and helps to support nearby business’ recovery efforts.

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  Safety and maintenance

  How we are ensuring responsible and safe consumption of alcohol

  Participating public plazas designated as drinking-permitted are located in busy areas with lots of ‘eyes on the street’. Signage will be installed to remind public space users of their responsibilities within designated drinking areas and to share information on washroom locations, waste disposal, and how to report issues. 

  We will continue to work with Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and plaza partners to ensure all sites are properly managed, safe and welcoming for all public space users. We will be monitoring all public feedback we receive about the sites from 3-1-1 and Van311.

  How the plaza will be maintained

  We are working with partners to ensure all plazas are well-maintained and within walking distance to essential public amenities like washrooms. Temporary portable washrooms will be installed at designated plaza sites without existing washrooms nearby.

  Please review the on-site signage available at each site, which will provide you with information on proper waste disposal and nearby washrooms.

Resources and documents

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  Health and wellness resources 

  • Alcohol substances use harm reduction External website, opens in new tab
  • Women, gender diverse and non binary, and two spirit peoples health and safety External website, opens in new tab
  • Indigenous-led and culturally safe harm reduction services External website, opens in new tab
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  Engagement

  Thank you for your feedback on the 2021 pilot. Your input helped staff understand how people feel about drinking in plazas and informed the development of the continued program.

  Review a summary of engagement from the 2021 pilot PDF file (3 MB)

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  Documents

  • March 2022 Council report PDF file (362 KB) (Alcohol consumption in public plazas policy)
  • March 2022 Council presentation PDF file (1.9 MB) (Alcohol consumption in public plazas policy)
  • July 2021 Council report PDF file (235 KB) (Additional sites for 2021 alcohol consumption in public spaces pilot)
  • May 2021 PDF file (788 KB) (2021 alcohol consumption in public spaces pilot)
  • March 30, 2021 Council minutes PDF file (213 KB) (Motion: Additional emergency COVID-19 measures)
  • July 2020 Council report PDF file (678 KB) (Alcohol consumption in public spaces pilot)
  • July 2020 Council presentation PDF file (678 KB) (Alcohol consumption in public spaces pilot)
  • June 23, 2020 Council minutes PDF file (287 KB)  (Motion: Reconsideration of Council decision of designating public space for responsible consumption of alcohol)