Hockey fans looking to celebrate a victory or drown in their sorrows after the epic Vancouver Canucks-Boston Bruins match-up Monday evening might want to stock up on booze before the game starts.
Vancouver police announced Monday afternoon that they have requested the province shut down liquor stores in the downtown area at 4 p.m., an hour before the team hits the ice for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
All public BC Liquor Stores will close at the earlier time, and the province asked private outlets to follow suit.
The demand is aimed at curbing drunken rowdiness whatever the outcome of tonight's highly-anticipated game.
Officers poured out more than 3,000 liquor bottles on Friday after more than 100,000 revellers attended post-game celebrations in downtown Vancouver.
Police have said the full force of the department will be out on Monday night to ensure crowds behave. A zero tolerance approach is being taken for open alcohol.
During the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the VPD shut down many downtown liquor stores early in an effort to curb rowdiness brought on by excessive drinking.
Solicitor General Shirley Bond says there were too many drunks on the streets after Friday's game and liquor store closures during the Olympics proved a valuable tactic.
"There was an immediate reduction of alcohol-related violence and disorder," Solicitor General Shirley Bond said in a statement.
She said the decision was not taken lightly. "However, protecting public safety must be our overriding concern."
Throughout the playoffs, the VPD has had an increased and highly visible presence, hitting the streets early in the evening as part of a "meet and greet" strategy.
With Canucks fans' heightened expectations, some have worried about a repeat of the post-game rioting that occurred after the team lost to the New York Rangers in the Stanley Cup playoffs in 1994.
More enforcement
Capt. Gabe Roder of Vancouver Fire and Rescue says officers will be out in full force inspecting downtown bars to make sure they don't have too many patrons inside. Inspectors will also make sure fire equipment is working and fire exits are clear.
Despite prior warnings, Roder said two clubs were at nearly double their legal capacity during Friday's Game 5.
The city of Vancouver has closed off Georgia Street between Cambie and Richards streets to make way for the tens of thousands of people expected at the outdoor fan zone. Hamilton and Homer streets between Dunsmuir and Robson are also shut down.
