British Columbians have been drinking more alcohol during the pandemic, according to a study by the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research.

The Institute's analysis of liquor sales concludes the biggest spike happened when the first lockdown in B.C. was announced in March, even when taking into account closures and reduction of sales in bars and nightclubs.  Sales jumped 40 per cent the week after the lock down was announced.

Even after restrictions were lifted, from May to July, drinking declined slightly, but was still higher than compared to the same months in 2019.  Researchers suspect the decline was partly due to fewer tourists in the province this year.

The numbers show drinking spiked to 27 drinks per month per capita, at the height of lockdown, from March until May, then declined to 24 drinks per month from May to July of 2020.  That compares with an average of 20 drinks per month for every British Columbian over the age of 15 in 2019. The Research Institute's Director says recent changes to provincial liquor laws have made access to alcohol easier.

Dr. Tim Naimi says that and COVID-19 are a dangerous combination:

The report says even pre-pandemic, alcohol led to more than 18,000 deaths and 700,000 emergency department visits in Canada in 2019.

Naimi says the price and availability of alcohol are determinants of public health.

He says that's why the report recommends that BC set a minimum price for alcohol and repeal the liquor laws that permit home delivery.

The report tracked liquor sales from March until July 2020. Naimi says the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research is planning analysis of drinking habits from July to December in the coming months.