Pubs in Public Life: A Place for Liquor Spaces in the City of Vancouver

Vancouver liquor licensing bylaws has been described by members of the media, industry, government and general public as overly restrictive, especially in the areas of hours ofservice, geographical distribution and the cultural diversity ofpublic liquor spaces. According to the City of Vancouver, the objective of city stewardship is to provide for the social, economic and physical well-being of citizens. A consultation of both academic research and the Vancouver community suggests that public liquor consumption sites can contribute positively to the social, economic and physical well- being of citizens. This paper explores how a reexamination and considered relaxation of liquor licensing bylaws could strengthen the viability and vitality of Vancouver.