Is alcohol consumption allowed on a boat in British Columbia?
Alcohol consumption in British Columbia
In British Columbia, it is not prohibited to consume alcohol aboard a boat at dockside or at anchor, even if it is a motor boat. However, boaters who consume alcohol significantly increase their risk of death and may be subject to penalties under the Criminal Code.
Drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs or who have more than 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood are subject to penalties ranging from fines to jail time.
Impaired drivers are subject to penalties ranging from a minimum fine of $1,000 to jail time.
The same rules which prohibit driving while impaired also apply to boats: you must not operate, assist to operate, or have the care and control of a vessel while impaired by alcohol or with a blood alcohol level more than .08.
Liquor must only be consumed in boats or other watercraft if the boat is licensed or it is a boat that the public does not have access to and is equipped with sleeping accommodations, cooking facilities and a toilet. In these cases, liquor may be consumed in the cabin or on the deck of the boat.
What blood alcohol level is considered an offence under the Criminal Code?
Driving while impaired is an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.
By law, drivers who have more than 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood (the .08 level) are criminally impaired.
What are the penalties for driving a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs in British Columbia?
Impaired drivers in British Columbia are subject to the following sanctions and penalties:
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1st offence: minimum fine of one thousand dollars ($1000)
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2nd offense: minimum of thirty (30) days in jail
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3rd offense: minimum of one hundred and twenty (120) days in jail
