Alcohol will again be allowed at 7 Vancouver beaches this summer

Beachgoers will once again be allowed to enjoy an alcoholic drink at several locations in Vancouver this summer.

Starting June 1, people over the age of 19 can legally bring and consume alcohol at the beaches between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.

The program will run until Sept. 30.

The beaches where drinking is allowed are:

• John Hendry/Trout Lake Beach

• Jericho Beach

• Kitsilano Beach

• Locarno Beach

• New Brighton Beach

• Second Beach

• Spanish Banks Beach

However, drinkers should leave glass bottles and containers at home — they are prohibited at parks and beaches in an effort to minimize broken glass and possible injuries.

Alcohol is not allowed on any other city beaches, nor is it allowed at playgrounds, outdoor pools, sports fields, community centres, parking lots or community gardens.

Drinking is allowed in 31 city parks year-round, and 16 additional parks in July and August.

In 2021 and 2022, the city piloted allowing alcohol consumption in some parks. They made it permanent in April 2023, and began piloting alcohol consumption at city beaches that summer.

Amit Gandha, director of parks at the Vancouver Park Board, said while people enjoyed drinking on beaches last summer, there were "some small challenges" — particularly at English Bay Beach and Sunset Beach, where alcohol was not permitted and will again not be allowed this year.

He said park rangers and Vancouver police will be out on beaches educating people who are aren't following the rules.

"The program's success and future depends on everyone's co-operation," Gandha said.