Vancouver could raise the bar on late-night liquor hours

Ever complained about how early Vancouver ends the night? Well, the City of Vancouver is seeking public feedback on a proposal to extend liquor serving hours at bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The suggested changes would allow bars and nightclubs in the downtown core to stay open until 3 A.M., while restaurants could serve alcohol until 2 A.M.

This move comes as part of the city's effort to modernize its liquor rules, which have remained largely unchanged since 2004. Business owners have advocated for longer hours to better align with the needs of Vancouver’s nightlife and dining culture.

Currently, the city's regulations allow bars and nightclubs to stay open until 1 a.m. to 3 a.m., depending on the location and day of the week. Restaurants are permitted to serve alcohol until 1 a.m. on weekdays and until 2 a.m. on weekends. Under the proposed changes, all licensed establishments in Vancouver could apply for the extended hours.

Though the new policy would grant broader permission for extended operating hours, businesses would still need to apply individually to the city and province to make the changes. Each application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with the city inviting public input on potential impacts such as noise or other community concerns.

Vancouver residents, workers, and visitors are encouraged to share their thoughts on the proposal by completing a survey, available until March 9th. A summary of the proposal and more details can be found on shapeyourcity.ca. What’s your take on this boozy proposal?