Vancouver police have issued more than $4,000 in fines to local businesses as part of an enforcement blitz aimed at keeping bear spray out of the hands of young people, according to a news release.
The crackdown follows a rise in bear spray incidents involving youth this year, including assaults, disturbances and weapons seizures. Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 15, 2026, the Vancouver Police Department recorded 104 incidents involving youth and bear spray, up from 83 during the same period in 2025.
In response, detectives with the department’s Youth Investigative Unit visited 27 businesses across Vancouver suspected of selling bear spray, coyote spray and dog repellent spray.
Under the bylaws, bear spray and similar products may not be sold to anyone under the age of 19, and sellers must keep records of each sale, including the buyer’s identification, for 12 months.
The inspections resulted in $4,000 in fines against three businesses for four violations of the bylaw. All 27 businesses visited were also given information outlining the bylaw requirements and best practices for staying compliant, the news release says.
“Reducing youth access to bear spray is a priority,” said Inspector Dave Ballance of the VPD’s Youth Services Section. “This enforcement initiative will contribute to the safety of the community, and we hope it will lead to a reduction of youth committing assaults with bear spray.”
The Youth Investigative Unit says it will keep monitoring youth bear spray incidents, gathering intelligence on supply sources and working with law enforcement partners across the Lower Mainland to support similar enforcement where bear spray bylaws exist.
