B.C. alcohol use hits 20-year low but remains above national and recommended levels

A report released by the B.C. provincial health officer says that while the alcohol use in the province has reached a 20-year low following a spike during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still above the national and recommended levels. An alcohol can pyramid collapses after being built by spectators as the Kelowna Rockets and Kitchener Rangers play during the third period of a Memorial Cup hockey game, in Kelowna, B.C., on Friday, May 22, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A report by British Columbia’s provincial health officer says that while alcohol use in the province has reached a 20-year low after spiking during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s still above both national and recommended levels.

The report says that as of 2023, people in B.C. average 8.8 drinks per week, compared to the national average of 8.2 and significantly above the recommended one to two drinks per week to avoid most alcohol‑related health risks.

The report says men in B.C. are drinking more than women and a higher proportion of males are “drinking heavily,” with consumption highest among male seniors in B.C., who average 15 drinks per week.

The report says that among health regions, the Interior, Northern and Island Health regions have the highest levels of drinking per person.

Henry says that when it comes to alcohol “less is best.”

The report says that while youth are not drinking as much as they have historically, 38 per cent of people aged 12 to 19 report having tried alcohol.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May. 27, 2026.

The Canadian Press