AS high school graduations ramp up over the coming weeks, BC Liquor Stores are reminding customers not to buy liquor for minors.

“Drinking can be harmful for minors in many ways,” said Michael Procopio, who oversees 197 BC Liquor Stores in his role as executive director of retail operations for the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB). “Our goal is to remind our customers about the damage that can be done by purchasing liquor for minors, and that anyone doing so can face hefty fines.”

It is prohibited to provide liquor to a minor. Exceptions include where liquor is given to a minor by their parent, spouse or guardian in a residence for consumption in a residence, and where wine is given to a minor as part of a religious ceremony.

“Police advise youths and their parents to plan ahead about how teens will be getting to and from celebrations, and we mean all parties – including unsanctioned events,” said Delta Police Department Chief Neil Dubord, who is head of the Traffic Safety Committee for the BC Association of Chiefs of Police. “This is a time of life filled with great excitement. Please make sure your teen doesn’t have to figure out that night if they’re sober enough to drive, or if they should get in a car with someone who may have been drinking and/or doing drugs. We want everyone home safe at the end of the night.”

According to HealthLinkBC, car crashes related to alcohol misuse are the leading cause of death for young people.

The LDB is one of the largest retailers in British Columbia, with more than 40 million retail customer visits to BC Liquor Stores every year. It contributes over $1 billion annually to the Province of British Columbia, providing financial support for vital public services, including health care and education.