A boat is a not a private place and open bottles of booze can lead you into trouble with the law.
That reminder comes from Sea-to-Sky RCMP.
“In 2017, the Liquor Control and Licensing Regulations redefined the definition of a “Private Place” as it relates to a vessel. The new definition in part reads as follows; a vessel to which the public does not have access that is equipped with permanent sleeping accommodations, cooking facilities and a toilet,” said Cst. Michael Gauthier
“Any vessel that does not meet these requirements is now considered a public place, thus open liquor is not permitted.
“This includes any non-powered watercraft (i.e canoe, kayak, SUP), motorized floating structures “party barges”, and blow up vessels and/or toys. If you are found in possession of open liquor in a public place as defined above, you can be fined under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act.”
“The Criminal Code states that you can be arrested and charged criminally if you are found operating or having care or control of a vessel while your ability to do so is impaired by alcohol or drugs.”
“Detecting and stopping impaired driving remains a high priority within the entire Sea-to-Sky RCMP Detachment area,” states Inspector Kara Triance, Officer in Charge of the Sea-to-Sky RCMP.
“We are reminding the public that they will be met with zero tolerance by police should they choose to operate a motor vehicle or vessel while impaired.”
