Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 901

(DUI) of alcohol or drugs. It is also illegal to carry open containers of alcohol inside a
vehicle. Containers that are full and sealed may be carried, but if they have been opened
or are empty put them in the trunk.
Possessing illegal drugs is always a bad idea, and if you're caught expect fines, lengthy
jail sentences and/or deportation (if you're a foreigner). In late 2012, Washington state de-
criminalized marijuana use and possession for those over 21; look up details, however.
Oregon is on the same path, so stay tuned.
LIQUOR LAWS
In bars throughout the Pacific Northwest, alcohol is generally served until 2am
(Washington), 2:30am (Oregon) and 3am (Vancouver).
In Oregon and Washington, you can buy beer and wine at supermarkets, con-
venience stores or private outlets (ie gas stations, specialty wine shops). When
buying liquor in these states, however, you'll have to seek out state-approved liquor
stores. In British Columbia you can buy beer, wine and liquor from either private or
government-sanctioned liquor stores; specialty wine shops also exist.
Public Holidays
Holidays falling on a weekend are usually observed the following Monday.
New Year's Day January 1 (USA and Canada)
Martin Luther King Jr Day Third Monday in January (USA)
Family Day Second or third Monday in February (Canada)
Presidents' Day Third Monday in February (USA)
Good Friday Friday before Easter Sunday (Canada)
Easter Sunday in late March or early April (USA and Canada)
Easter Monday Monday after Easter (Canada)
Victoria Day Monday on or preceding May 24 (Canada)
Memorial Day Last Monday in May (USA)
Canada Day July 1, or July 2 if July 1 is Sunday (Canada)
Independence Day July 4 (USA)
Labor Day First Monday in September (USA and Canada)
Columbus Day Second Monday in October (USA)