Fines for most drinking related offenses have doubled.

As of January 1, people who are found contravening enforceable sections of the Liquor Control Act, will be facing hefty increases in fines applied to the offences.

Constable Steve Holmes says the fines have doubled for most offences, such as consumption/purchase by a minor and minors in a liquor establishment, as well as possessing opened liquor in a motor vehicle and consuming liquor in a public place.

“The fines for these offences, that used to be $115, are now $230. The offence of minor in possession has nearly quadrupled from $58 to $230,” says Holmes.

He says if someone is found intoxicated in a public place, they are eligible for a $115 fine under the act.

“That's in addition to the free accommodation at the Kelowna Detachment cells until they sober up.”

Holmes says statistically, a large percentage of police calls for service, including assaults, domestics, impaireds, thefts etc., are related to the use and abuse of alcohol.