B.C. health officials say the service and sale of alcohol is prohibited after 8 p.m. across the province on New Year Year's Eve.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry made the announcement on Wednesday (Dec. 30) afternoon during the daily coronavirus (COVID-19) briefing.
Henry says the order is an attempt to mitigate "risky behaviour" and curb parties from springing up, particularly in resort towns where New Year's Eve celebrations are common.
The order is effective from Dec. 31, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. through to Jan.1, 2021 at 9 a.m.
This order applies to any establishment that sells or serves alcohol including, bars, restaurants, pubs, liquor stores or grocery stores.
Restaurants, pubs and bars
For anyone going out on New Year's Eve, you must wear a mask when not at a table. A maximum of six people at a table and there is no moving between tables.
Events are no longer permitted.
Restaurants, pubs and bars can continue to operate if they have a COVID-19 Safety Plan and employee protocols in place.
WorkSafeBC will be conducting inspections to verify that COVID-19 Safety Plans remain effective. Establishments that are noncompliant with plan requirements may face orders and fines, and possible referral to public health which may result in a closure order.
--With a file from the Canadian Press.
