BC bans liquor sales and service after 8 pm on St. Patrick's Day

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced a new Provincial Health Order on March 11 prohibiting liquor sales on St. Patrick’s Day night.

The new order will come into effect on March 17, 2021, from 8 pm until 9 am on March 18, 2021. This order includes liquor sold for onsite and offsite consumption.

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Henry said she has consulted with the food and beverage industry and “had a number of conversations” about keeping communities, businesses, and employees safe.

“We all recognize that importance,” she said.

She added that there will be some “caveats” around full meal provisions and when restaurants and bars must close as well.

“This is very similar to the restrictions that we put in place over New Year’s,” said Henry. “And that is really to protect our businesses and to protect the people who work in those businesses as well as make sure that we don’t have an explosive increase in cases related to an event.”

“Right now, we need to save those parties for the summer.”