Question: I drive stretch limousine part time. One of the attractions of renting a stretch limo (or a party bus) is for the customers being able to relax in the rear having a social drink in relative privacy (because the windows are heavily tinted and the barrier can be up to separate the driver from the guests) while a professional chauffeur cruises them around.
I am wondering how legal such a scenario is and if the driver, limo company or the drinking riders in the back can be charged if stopped by an officer of the law? I am fairly comfortable with the above situation but one that makes me very uneasy is to be hired to transport a half a dozen young people around, liquor is present, and the majority of them are under the legal drinking age. Again, who is responsible in such a case: the driver, the limo owner or those in the back that are over 19 and are drinking with the minors?
In both cases the liquor is brought on board by the customer so the driver nor the limo owner do not supply the booze. A small table and glasses are provided in the back to enable the customers to enjoy their refreshments, either non-alcoholic or otherwise.
There are two scenarios to consider here, the use of liquor and the use of cannabis (marihuana).
Liquor in a Party Bus or Limousine
British Columbia's Liquor Control and Licensing Act covers the consumption of alcohol in a party bus or limousine. They are considered to be a public place and drinking liquor in public is prohibited by this law.
Vehicles are specifically included in the Act and it places the responsibility on the driver. Liquor must not be readily accessible by either the driver or the passengers. In addition, if there are minors in the vehicle, the driver must not allow them to drink or possess liquor.
Cannabis in a Party Bus or Limousine
British Columbia's Cannabis Control and Licensing Act regulates the use of cannabis in a limousine or party bus.
Cannabis cannot be used by a driver who is operating a vehicle and the driver must not operate a vehicle if they know that another person is smoking or vaping cannabis inside. It does not matter if the vehicle is moving or parked. In addition, the driver must not allow a minor to consume or possess cannabis in the vehicle.
Occupants of the vehicle are forbidden to smoke or vape inside it.
Protection of Minors on a Party Bus
If a minor is on board a party bus there must be at least one certified safety monitor that is not the driver present. In addition, the minor must have written consent from their legal guardian.
Depending on the bus capacity, more than one monitor may be required. The monitor must be at least 25 years old, have undergone a background check and meet minimum first-aid training requirements that include how to administer Naloxone.
Penalties
Alcohol
- section 73 (1) - Consume liquor or possess liquor in an open container in a public place - $230
- section 76 (2) - Liquor in motor vehicle - $230
- section 77 (1) (c) - Allow a minor to consume or possess liquor in or at a place under one's control - $575
Cannabis
- Section 64 (1) - Smoke or hold lighted cannabis in indoor public place, workplace or residential common area - $230
- Section 64 (1) - Vape cannabis or hold activated cannabis vapour device in indoor public place, workplace or residential common area - $58
- Section 65 (1) (b) - Consume cannabis in vehicle or boat operated by another person - $230
- Section 65 (2) - Operate vehicle or boat knowing that another person is smoking or vaping cannabis in it - $230
- Section 69 (3) - Allow minor to consume or possess cannabis at place under one's control - $575
Learn More
- Cannabis Control and Licensing Act
- Liquor Control and Licensing Act
- Passenger Transportation Regulation
- Example of Significant Penalty for Party Limousine Operator
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