Alcohol consumption in BC returns to pre-COVID levels

A graph of alcohol consumption estimates in BC

In the most recent year of our BC Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Monitoring Project data (2021/22), BC recorded a decrease of 0.13L in age 15+ per capita ethanol consumption, down to 9.19L from 9.32L. The current total averages out to 534 standard drinks (SDs) per person over the age of 15 per year, including non-drinkers.

While this year marks a decrease to 2019/20 levels of consumption after a record high year in 2020/2021, consumption levels in BC based on AOD monitoring remain well above the Canadian average of 475 SDs per capita.

Read more about monthly trends, alcohol prices over time, and consumption by venue, beverage type and BC region on our alcohol stats page.