Vancouver police haven’t ruled out recommending the early closure of downtown liquor stores during the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs.

But a VPD spokesperson said it’s too soon to even consider turning to such an extreme measure.

“There are a number of different factors and considerations that have to go into even considering a decision like that,” Const. Lindsey Houghton told the Straight by phone. “It’s way too early to even think or contemplate that. Those are extraordinary things meant for extraordinary times.”

During the 2010 Winter Olympics, the VPD tackled problems with public drinking and intoxication by turning to the B.C. Liquor Control and Licensing Branch to get downtown liquor stores to close early.

“We never rule anything out that could be an effective tool in keeping people safe,” Houghton said. “Safety is our No. 1 priority and I think people expect us to do everything in our power and utilize every tool in our toolbox, if you will, to make sure that people are safe and can have a good time.”

Today (April 11) the VPD warned the public that officers will be enforcing liquor laws during the playoffs.

“We want to encourage people to come downtown and celebrate but do it responsibly and with some common sense,” Houghton said.

He said people can expect to see a police response typical of other major events like the Celebration of Light fireworks display. Officers will be out meeting and greeting the crowds, he said.

“We want people to be aware that, while we want people to have fun and do it responsibly, we will be out there looking to enforce liquor laws,” Houghton said. “We want people to think before they come downtown or before they come to Vancouver.”

“We know that alcohol plays sometimes a big factor in some of the disturbances that we go to during events like this, whether its Stanley Cup playoff runs or Celebration of Lights, or as we saw a little bit through the Olympics.”

The VPD didn’t offer a prediction on the potential size of playoff crowds this year, but noted thousands have headed downtown in the past.

“It’ll all depend on the weather. It’ll depend on how well the Canucks do. It’ll depend on what night of the week it is,” Houghton said.

The Canucks face the Chicago Blackhawks in round one of the 2011 Stanely Cup playoffs. The first game in the best-of-seven series takes place at Rogers Arena on Wednesday, April 13, at 7 p.m.