Alberta removes need for special permits to serve alcohol early at bars, restaurants

Alberta bars and restaurants previously had to apply to change the start time for serving liquor during special events, but the province is changing the rules.

Licensed Alberta businesses may now begin selling liquor as early as 6 a.m. without special approval from the province.

Class A, B, C and F licences under Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) – which includes restaurants, bars and private clubs – have the option of beginning service early to meet customer needs and demands, according to a Tuesday media release.

Closing hour requirements are still 3 a.m., with the last call one hour before close.

The change is not limited to special occasions, although the new rule comes ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Red tape reduction minister Dale Nally also said the change would give business owners more flexibility during major sporting events, special celebrations or early morning crowds.

The AGLC said it’s approved several liquor licence requests for major events, like the FIFA World Cup or Calgary Stampede, with “very few” compliance issues in the past decade.

“It’s a big red tape savings for licensees, but even the AGLC,” said the commission’s CRO, Dave Berry. “Our staff was sometimes even overwhelmed with requests.”

Businesses used to have to apply separately for each special event via request and email notification in order to serve alcohol before 9 a.m.

During the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, licensees only had to provide three days’ advance notice via email, a “less and less labour-intensive” move but still not a perfect process.

“We’ve had restaurants that just wanted to do things like offer a mimosa as part of their regular menu offering for breakfast, and they weren’t allowed to do that ... so we don’t see this as a risky adventure, and I think it’s a great opportunity for businesses,” Berry added.

Alberta Hospitality Association executive director Mona Pinder says earlier hours as an option doesn’t mean a 6 a.m. wake-up call will always be on tap.

She expects major events and sports matches to be the main reason establishments take advantage of the change.

“That’s what brings people out at those hours,” she said.

“it just gives (businesses) that opportunity just to be part of the community and ride the wave that comes with these big events.”

With files from The Canadian Press