Daylight saving time had been introduced in British Columbia on 6 July 1941. Despite opposition from farmers, the federal government subsequently implemented daylight saving across the country until World War II ended.[1] At the end of the conflict, the provincial government decided to retain the system.[2] However, amidst continuing opposition from farmers, in March 1952, they opted to put the matter to a public vote.
A 1916 referendum had seen a vote in favour of introducing prohibition in British Columbia, whilst a second referendum in 1920 resulted in prohibition being rejected in favour of a government-administered board becoming responsible for overseeing the retail sale of liquor in government-approved stores.[3] However, the sale of alcohol in bars remained banned. Another referendum in 1924 allowed beer to be sold by the glass in bars, but wine and liquor could still only be sold in approved stores.[4]