It appears that the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic have more of us drinking.
A study from the University of Victoria finds British Columbians consumed more alcohol last year than any previous year over the past two decades.
It attributes much of the increase to people having more time on their hands and coping with the stresses brought on by the pandemic.
But the report’s authors also note that alcohol is more widely and readily available now than it was 20 years ago.
Meanwhile, a reminder to not drink and drive if you’re heading out.
The familiar plea is echoed more than ever, as police mark December as CounterAttack Impaired Driving Month.
Across Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast and Canada-wide, RCMP will be out in full force, setting up road checks and cracking down on impaired drivers.
READ MORE: Dash-cam footage underscores dangers of impaired driving
– with files from Vista Radio national news desk
