BC Ferries reminds customers it is not a booze cruise

BC Ferries is warning customers who are thinking of drinking or consuming drugs on their ships or terminals, they stand a good chance of being caught. 

This reminder comes alongside last year's fiscal report showing 127 incidents involving passengers suspected of being impaired either walking or driving onto the vessel.

BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall  points out breaking the zero tolerance policy can result in arrests, She says it is not uncommon for passengers to flag concerns, along with staff reporting suspected riders.

"We'll have customers report seeing another customer in a vehicle drinking a beer while they're waiting in line, or people on the outer decks drinking alcohol, and you know the ferry is a short ride. We just want to remind people to stay safe while they're traveling with us and they can enjoy a drink when they get to their destination."

Marshall says the ferry service would like everyone to be safe and have a good summer.

"We had over 35 incidents since May 1st at various locations around the fleet, where we've had issues with people drinking and driving. So, we just want to remind everybody to keep the beer in the trunk, until you actually get to your campsite," she said.