BC Ferries warns of zero tolerance for passengers who drink or use drugs

VICTORIA - BC Ferries is reminding travellers that impaired passengers or drivers at its terminals or onboard its ships will not be tolerated.

A news release from BC Ferries says customers who arrive at any terminal under the influence will be reported to police.

It says there were 127 incidents over the last fiscal year where police were called to deal with a possibly intoxicated walk-on passenger or driver.

BC Ferries vice-president of customer services Corinne Storey says the company has a zero tolerance policy for passengers using drugs or alcohol.

She says the company works with police to identify and stop impaired drivers and encourages customers who witness substance abuse in terminals or onboard vessels to report it to a ferry employee.

Const. Melissa Wutke of the RCMP's traffic services division says travellers should realize a ferry crossing is not a good excuse to use alcohol or drugs.