Drinking age in British Columbia (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: In British Columbia a minor is a person under 19, and supplying liquor to a minor is prohibited subject to the regulations. Drinking in public is allowed only where a municipal bylaw designates a place.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | 19 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | 19 years [1] |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | A person must not consume liquor or possess it in an open container except in a residence, a private place, a licensed service area or another place the Act allows. A municipality, regional district or the Vancouver Park Board may designate a public place by bylaw where liquor may be consumed during set hours. [2] |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | A person must not sell, give or otherwise supply liquor to a minor, or allow a minor to consume or possess liquor in a place they control, subject to the regulations. A minor must not purchase, consume or possess liquor. [2] |
Notes
- Section 77 of the Act prohibits supplying liquor to minors "subject to the regulations". The regulations were not checked, so any family exception is unconfirmed.
Sources
- King's Printer, British Columbia: Age of Majority Act, RSBC 1996, c 7 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- King's Printer, British Columbia: Liquor Control and Licensing Act, SBC 2015, c 19 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
British Columbia and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Minimum age to buy beer and wine | Minimum age to buy spirits | Drinking by younger people with an adult | Drinking in public places | Where and when alcohol is sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | 19 | 19 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned unless bylaw allows | No supply to under 19s |
| Alberta | 18 | 18 | Parent/guardian at home; religious rites | Banned unless in a designated area | No sales to under 18s |
| Northwest Territories | 19 | 19 | Parent at home | Banned in public places | No sales to under 19s |
More rules in British Columbia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per home
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 80 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor aged 22+ (from 19 Oct 2026)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Cycle (motor assisted cycle) · Minimum age: 14 (light) or 16 (standard)
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $18.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free, conditions apply
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.