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Celebrate responsibly

Have a dry grad, urge cops

Jun 17, 2019 | 4:50 PM

Members of the Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP are urging Grade 12 graduates to celebrate a dry grad.

The detachment is offering its congratulations to the students and reminding them drinking alcohol under the age of 19 is illegal.

The police say they have some great dancers among their officers who may attend grad parties whether they are invited or not.

“We don’t need an invitation to come,” the RCMP press release said.

The RCMP issued these reminders:

Alcohol-Related:

  • The age of majority in BC is 19 years (under 19 = a minor)
  • It is illegal for a minor to be found in possession of liquor
  • It is illegal (for anyone) to consume alcohol in public
  • It is illegal to have open liquor in a motor vehicle (including a bus or limo)
  • It is illegal to purchase/provide liquor to a minor
  • You may be arrested for being intoxicated in a public place

Drug-Related:

  • You may be arrested for Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle if you are under the influence of any intoxicating substance (not restricted to alcohol)
  • It is illegal to be found in possession of any illegal drug and prescription medication which is not prescribed to you

If you host a party, you can be subjected to city noise bylaw infraction tickets. Home owners can be fined, even if they are not present during the party.

“We at the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP wish you a safe and happy graduation season, and hope the only invitations we get are the ones to show off our dance moves, not our handcuffing and ticket writing skills,” detachment Media Relations Officer Const. Kelly Brett said. “Celebrate responsibly.”

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