Beer on the Beach protest against BC liquor laws
Posted August 27, 2017 8:37 am.
Last Updated August 27, 2017 6:06 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Craft beer enthusiasts have intentionally broken the law by downing a few cold ones on a Vancouver beach today.
The “Beer On The Beach” protest at English Bay is against BC laws that prohibit drinking in public.
David Perry, president of the Vancouver branch of Campaign for Real Ale Society (CAMRA), says the aim is to reform liquor laws.
“This is a protest event and we are going to be breaking the law, albeit what we think is a law that really shouldn’t be in place, which is why we’re doing it in the first place.”
Provincial liquor laws allow municipalities to designate a public space as a place where liquor may be consumed, but CAMRA says few, if any, municipalities or regional districts have taken the necessary steps to allow it.
Colleen McDonald biked to English Bay from Burquitlam with a group of others –including her young granddaughter– to support the push to have liquor laws reformed.
“I think [beer] is a beverage, and people that can drink responsibly can drink a beverage with their Donair,” she says. She adds it’s hard to find a place for families to go and enjoy a drink, especially with little ones.
“I just hope the government listens to what people want,” McDonald explains. “You have to go to little fenced off areas, and behind, almost feels like behind bars just to be able to sit and have a beer, and we wouldn’t be able to take the baby in there.”
Francien is from the Netherlands where liquor laws are more relaxed. She says she’s not advocating for underage or excessive drinking, but thinks current laws here are old-fashioned.
“I think they’re ancient, totally ancient… I’m not supporting overindulgence, but I think beer is just like a beverage that you would have with your lunch or your dinner. I would never give the kids any, but I think they can be present when I’m having a beer or glass of wine.”
Despite a more lax attitude toward drinking, there’s no “chaos” in the Netherlands, Francien says.
Organizers say troublemakers were not welcome at the protest, saying if people wanted to show up and “get loaded” the weren’t welcome.
“Because that’s counterproductive for us, you know? We’re trying to show that people are responsible, mature consumers. And that’s who we’re advocating for.”
No beer was sold or supplied to anyone at the event. CAMRA says it has informed Vancouver Police about the event.
