Seems like politicians have finally caught on that our drinking laws need a serious revision. A new study is underway to look at whether people should be allowed to bring liquor to beaches and parks.

See Also: 

• Vancouver wants to expand patio hours
• Beer lounges now allowed in Vancouver
• B.C. Draconian Liquor Laws

But can people drink responsibly? Real adults, yes. But the teens and the 20 and 30 somethings that never grow up, probably not. However, guess what: that Starbucks cup in their hand they’re holding in the beach or park likely has alcohol in it, so they’re already doing it. You just don’t see it, and that is enough of a reason to allow it. It’s already happening, and just because a small minority can’t handle their liquor responsibly doesn’t mean everyone shouldn’t be allowed to.

Naturally, there are concerns over parties, noise and disruptions. This will be the largest argument against allowing drinking on public beaches and parks.

Public drinking is legal in Germany, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Japan, so why not here in British Columbia?

With the Mayor and City Council’s focus on the interests of the young population, it will probably pass easily in Vancouver. However, the first hurdle is with the province as liquor regulations lie under provincial jurisdiction. It will be up on the provincial government and its draconian liquor board to allow drinking on beaches and provinces. Only then can the mountains of red tape bylaws within the City of Vancouver be changed.