Manitoba now has some of the highest fines in Canada associated with purchasing or selling alcohol to minors, Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh, minister responsible for the Liquor Control Act, has announced.
“With this increase in fines, Manitoba has become a leader among Canadian jurisdictions in sending a clear message to those who facilitate underage drinking,” said Mackintosh.
For people who sell to or buy alcohol for a minor, the fine will increase to a minimum of $2,000, plus costs, from $1,260.30 and the minimum fine for a corporation that sells to or buys alcohol for minors will be $5,000, plus costs. The fine for minors who attempt to purchase alcohol using false identification or who are in possession of or consume alcohol will increase to $655.65 from $292.65.
In licensed premises where minors are not permitted to consume alcohol, the licensee will be subject to an increase in fine to $655.65 from $292.65. Licensed premises are also subject to disciplinary action by the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC).
Mackintosh announced the provincial government’s intention to increase fines in early March as a measure to address underage drinking. He said the fines were increased through an amendment to Manitoba’s Offence Notices Regulation 210/203, administered through Manitoba Justice and court services.
“In addition to the immediate harms that can occur to children who drink, underage drinking has a steep social cost,” said Mackintosh. “Research shows that children who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependencies later in life.”
Mackintosh referenced the 2009 Health Survey Report of 34,000 Manitoba youth in which 36 per cent of students indicated they had consumed alcohol at lease once in the past 30 days and 34 per cent reported they had engaged in binge drinking (consuming five or more drinks in one sitting). The report also indicated that 20 per cent of Grade 9 students engaged in binge-drinking behaviour at least once in the previous month with the percentage of reported binge drinking increasing to 51 per cent for Grade 12 students.
In addition to increasing the fines, Mackintosh said the MLCC will host a summit on the issue of underage drinking this fall. The summit will address access to alcohol by minors, social norms, parental control, legislation, enforcement, community involvement and public education. The MLCC hopes the summit will attract representation from parent councils and youth groups, police services, government and health agencies.
Mackintosh noted, over the past decade, the MLCC has been actively involved in a number of public information and education programs aimed at youth and alcohol. The Be the Influence program provides tips and discussion points to help parents talk to their children about alcohol. The program is available through an interactive website or a free booklet at Manitoba Liquor Marts. The Show Your Age program requires young adults to show valid photo identification when purchasing alcohol in retail outlets and licensed premises and the Be Undrunk program addresses binge drinking by young adults through its website.
