WHEREAS: 1. A series of incidents, including the death last year of a Surrey teenager found dying at a gas station, have highlighted the lack of appropriate regulation for the limousine and party bus industry; 2. Responsible industry operators have themselves, supported by the regional taxi industry, called on the Province to impose appropriate regulations through the Passenger Transportation Board to regulate the industry, ensuring the safety of customers; and 3. The Minister of Transportation promised action last year which has not materialized: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government, through the Minister of Transportation, act on the recommendations of the industry and implement appropriate regulations for the limousine and party bus sector.
Ministry of Transportation Infrastructure The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is not contemplating regulatory changes to address party buses at this time. Laws already exist that prohibit open liquor and alcohol consumption in vehicles and laws that prohibit underage drinking. Tickets can and have been given to drivers and passengers when they are found violating the law. There are also fines and penalties that can be imposed by the Registrar of Passenger Transportation the Registrar, including suspending or cancelling the passenger transportation licence, if a party bus company is not operating within the law. The Registrar met with industry representatives on May 20, 2014, to strongly reinforce their legal requirements and expectations for full compliance. This included the elimination of any references to open alcohol on their web pages and in any advertising. Industry has responded to this directive and a number of companies have revised their websites to make the no alcohol message more prominent. The Ministry continues to work with police who inspect buses and check for violations of the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, specifically under-age drinking and illegal drugs. Police have and will continue to ticket those people who they catch breaking the law, including those consuming alcohol in an unlicensed public place. Police are encouraged to report all violations to the Registrar.