With St. Patrick's Day this weekend, we touched base with Dianne Norman, manager of student conflict resolution at Dal, to debunk some of the common myths students have about local liquor laws.
There are lots of fun activities on the traditional Irish holiday that don't involve drinking at all. (Check out this series of "Go for the Green" events from Dal Student Life and the DSU.)
However, if you choose to drink, drink responsibly and respect your neighbours. If you’ve had too much to drink, go home and stay home. The police won’t be giving any breaks for public drinking and drunkenness — and that means you could end up paying big if you go overboard.
Thanks to Halifax Regional Police Constable Ilya Nielson, here’s the skinny on five popular myths about drinking in Halifax:
1. "It’s legal if my drink is in an opaque cup."
FACT: Walking around in public areas with open liquor is an offence under Section 78(2) of the Liquor Control Act. A red Solo Cup does not make it legal. Fine: $457.41
2. "The Police can’t look in my travel mug."
FACT: Police officers may be able to look in your mug if they can explain why they are. So if you’re drunk in public, drinking out of a coffee cup at 2 a.m., it’s not a hard argument for them to make. Fine: $457.41
3. “I’m holding this for a friend. It’s not mine.”
FACT: If it’s in your hands, it’s yours. And if you’re under 19 years of age, you’re in trouble. Fine: $457.41.
4. "The police have to give me a breathalyser test to prove I’m drunk."
FACT: Police officers can use their observations and draw on past experience to form an opinion about whether or not you’re drunk. Breathalyser tests are only required if you’re stopped while driving. Drunk in public = $123.91 fine — and maybe a night’s stay in the drunk tank.
5. "I live in residence, so all of Dalhousie Campus is my home."
Your room is your home. If you’re outside with your red Solo Cup walking between buildings, that's a $457.41 fine. Or drunk = $123.91. Or underage = $457.91. Or all three? That’s a whopping $1,038.73 in fines, and that’s one mighty expensive drink.
Remember: If you’re a Dalhousie student and get in trouble, identify yourself as a Dalhousie student and see if you can be referred to the Dalhousie Restorative Justice Pilot Project. For more information: dal.ca/think