Early bedtime for Alberta’s happy hours

(Jul. 15/08) New provincial regulations will set minimum drink prices, regulate the duration of “happy hours” and limit last-call drink orders in Alberta bars, beginning Aug. 1.  The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) introduced these policy amendments as part of the province’s efforts to make drinking places safer for customers and staff.

Under the new regulations, minimum drink prices are set as follows:

Spirits and liqueurs $ 2.75 per oz.
Wine $ 0.35 per oz. ($1.75 per 5 oz. glass)
Draught beer $ 0.16 per oz. ($3.20 per 20 oz. pint)
Beer, cider or coolers in cans or bottles $ 2.75 per 12 oz. bottle or can

Happy hours: Licensees may reduce the regular menu price of drinks, but only until 8:00 p.m.  At no time can a drink be sold for less than the new minimum price.

Maximum drink order: Customers cannot be sold or served more than two drinks – nor are they permitted to have more than two drinks in their possession – after 1:00 a.m. 

As a member of the Alberta Liquor Industry Roundtable (ALIRT), CRFA supports this approach as a reasonable way to address irresponsible drinking behaviour of a small minority of consumers. 

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