24.49°C Vancouver

Dec 11, 2020 6:18 PM -

Alcohol consumption has increased in BC during the pandemic: University of Victoria

Share On

New research from the University of Victoria says alcohol consumption has increased in BC during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Researchers found a 40 per cent jump in alcohol sales in mid-March when COVID-19 measures were put in place.

Consumption in bars and restaurants, which historically account for around 15 per cent of alcohol consumed in BC, dropped off in April and May.

Researchers say private liquor stores benefited from the increase in purchases.

Latest news

heat-warnings-issued-across-southern-b-c-after-multiple-temperature-records-fall
BCJul 21, 2026

Heat warnings issued across southern B.C. after multiple temperature records fall

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued heat warnings for much of southern British Columbia after several communities recorded new daily temperature highs. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the warnings cover the east coast of Vancouver Island, Whistler and the Fraser Valley, and are expected to remain in effect until Wednesday. Heat warnings for parts of the Southern Interior could continue through Thursday. Forecasters say daytime temperatures in coastal areas are expected to exceed 30 C, while the Fraser Valley and Southern Interior could see highs near 35 C. Offi
hamilton-police-arrest-32-in-organized-home-depot-theft-investigation
BCJul 21, 2026

Hamilton police arrest 32 in organized Home Depot theft investigation

Hamilton Police Service says it has arrested 32 people and laid a total of 235 criminal charges following an investigation into an alleged organized retail theft ring targeting Home Depot stores in the city. According to a police news release issued Tuesday, the four-month investigation, dubbed Project Checkout, was launched after theft incidents at local Home Depot locations increased by 25 per cent. Police allege the group stole high-value merchandise from stores and later sold the items through online marketplaces at prices below retail value. Police said store employees were allegedly thre
carney-says-trump-agreed-to-accelerate-tariff-talks-as-canada-weighs-response
CanadaJul 21, 2026

Carney says Trump agreed to accelerate tariff talks as Canada weighs response

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone on Tuesday morning about the latest tariff dispute, confirming the two leaders discussed measures announced by the United States. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Carney said the proposed U.S. tariffs violate the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). He said Trump agreed to accelerate discussions in the coming weeks as both countries seek to address the trade dispute. Asked whether Canada is considering retaliatory tariffs, Carney said all options remain on the table if the proposed U.S. tariffs tak
calgary-police-say-ai-generated-misinformation-hindering-search-for-missing-11-year-old-boy
AlbertaJul 21, 2026

Calgary police say AI-generated misinformation hindering search for missing 11-year-old boy

Calgary police say online misinformation, including altered images and videos created using artificial intelligence, is interfering with the search for an 11-year-old boy with autism who has been missing since last week. According to the Calgary Police Service, Parker, who is non-verbal, was last seen Thursday at his care home in the city's north end. Investigators continue to search for the child and are asking the public to rely on information shared through official police channels. Acting Staff Sergeant Scott Guterson said AI-generated and manipulated content circulating online is divertin
trump-could-announce-new-tariffs-on-dozens-of-countries-this-week
WorldJul 21, 2026

Trump could announce new tariffs on dozens of countries this week

U.S. President Donald Trump could announce a new round of tariffs on dozens of countries as early as this week, according to reports citing people familiar with the matter. The move would follow the scheduled expiry of the Trump administration's temporary 10 per cent global tariff, which is set to end on Friday. Initial tariffs announced under the new plan are expected to match the current 10 per cent rate, according to the reports. The administration is also continuing trade-related investigations that could provide the legal authority to impose higher tariff rates in the future. No official

Related News