Today, City Council voted to extend the Drinking in Public Plazas Program until May 14, 2025. The program has operated for four successful years in Vancouver, providing residents and visitors with safe, no-cost options where they can socialize, connect and enjoy alcoholic drinks responsibly.
“We are thrilled to support the extension of the Drinking in Public Plazas Program and we remain committed to supporting vibrant public spaces here in Vancouver,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “A huge component of the program’s success are the plaza and community stewards who care for these spaces daily. I want to extend a personal note of gratitude to the stewards for all that they do to ensure these plazas serve as places for community connection, diverse public life and responsible drinking.”
Participating plaza locations
As part of the 2024/25 program, alcohol may be responsibly consumed at the following participating plaza locations:
Year-round (May 15, 2023 to May 14, 2024):
- Cambie St and 17th Ave (Plaza steward: Cambie Village Business Association)
- Cambie St and 18th Ave (Cambie Village Business Association)
- Granville St and 13th Ave (South Granville Business Improvement Association)
- Granville St and 14th Ave (South Granville Business Improvement Association)
- Lot 19, 855 West Hastings St (Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association)
- Main St and 21st Ave (Coco et Olive, Little Mountain Neighbourhood House, residents)
Spring/summer only (May 15 to October 31, 2024):
- Maple St and 4th Ave (Kitsilano West 4th Ave. Business Improvement Association)
During the summer months and longer daylight hours, drinking in the designated plazas will be allowed from 11 am to 9 pm daily (May 15 to October 16, 2024). As the season shifts into winter and darker days, drinking will be allowed from 11 am to 5 pm (October 17 to May 14, 2025).
Participating plaza locations are selected to be within walking distance to essential public amenities like washrooms. Where this isn’t already possible, temporary portable washrooms have been installed.
The City remains committed to supporting vibrant public spaces that offer something for everyone, and we extend our appreciation to the plaza and community partners for their continued efforts and all that they do to sustain and uplift these public spaces.
Read the Council Report here PDF file (559 KB).