FOLLOWING three successful seasons, Vancouver City Council has voted to expand Vancouver’s Drinking in Public Plazas Program into a year-round initiative. As part of its decision, Council has approved six public plazas to participate in the new 2023/24 program.

“Time and time again we have seen that Vancouverites can be trusted to safely and responsibly enjoy alcoholic drinks in shared public spaces. We’re incredibly pleased to support the expansion of this program,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim on Tuesday.

“Community connection and spaces for public life are so important for our wellbeing and quality of life. Having plazas that allow alcohol consumption year-round will help make our city more vibrant while supporting local businesses.”

Participating plaza locations

As part of the 2023/24 program, alcohol may be responsibly consumed at the following participating plazas:

Year-round (May 15, 2023 to May 14, 2024):

• Cambie Street and 17th Avenue (Plaza steward: Cambie Village Business Association)
• Cambie Street and 18th Avenue (Cambie Village Business Association)
• Granville Street and 13th Avenue (South Granville Business Improvement Association)
• Granville Street and 14th Avenue (South Granville Business Improvement Association)
• Lot 19, 855 West Hastings Street (Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association)
• Main Street and 21st Avenue (Coco et Olive, Little Mountain Neighbourhood House, residents)

Spring/summer only (May 15 to October 31, 2023):

• Maple Street and 4th Avenue (Kitsilano West 4th Avenue Business Improvement Association)

During the summer months and daylight, the plazas will operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (May 15 to October 16, 2023). As the season shifts into winter and darker days, plazas will operate from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (October 17 to May 14, 2024).

“We’re committed to supporting vibrant public spaces that offer something for everyone,” says Lisa Parker, Director of Public Space and Street Use. “The Drinking in Public Plazas Program continues to be a success because of our plaza and community partners, who steward and care for these spaces daily, making sure they are safe and inclusive for residents and visitors. We are pleased to be able to offer outdoor space for responsible alcohol consumption.”

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 will be installed.

Read the Council Report.