Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

Public Order Offences from Alcohol Misuse Perspective: Discussion

12:30 pm

Professor Tim Stockwell:

Yes, it is also diverse. It is difficult to imagine Canadians becoming unruly and disorderly but they do, particularly when they lose at ice hockey. There were terrible riots in Vancouver - about which the Deputy may have heard - when our beloved Canucks lost in the final play-off. Drinking in public places is not permitted in most provinces but it happens. It is, therefore, a matter of enforcement. During Canada Day celebrations, police will search buses and young people's belongings, for example, in order to ensure that they do not bring alcohol with them to public places. It is quite strictly enforced but less so in Quebec.