Alberta OKs extended hours for liquor sales
Province relaxes liquor-sales rules to accommodate early-morning games
Albertans will be able to grab a cold one while they watch the earliest FIFA World Cup matches thanks to a blanket liquor licence extension across the province.
The extension means liquor can be served as soon as the early games kick off — this Saturday, that means 4 a.m. for fans willing to get out of bed when Australia and France face off.
With the tournament being played in Russia, the majority of early games kick off at 6 a.m. After June 25, that switches to 8 a.m. In Alberta. Liquor service can start as soon as games begin.
Edmonton-Ellerslie NDP MLA Rod Loyola announced the blanket extension at Jack’s Pizza Cafe in south Edmonton Tuesday morning.
Part-owner Deep Gill had already applied for an early licence in the lead-up to the cup, and said he’s pleased he’ll be able to skip that process.
“We heard from customers in this area there are lots of people who love soccer. We got phone calls asking ‘Are you going to show those games?’” Gill said Tuesday.
“The economy isn’t very good, so it will boost the economy, create some extra hours for employees and maybe something in our pocket.”
EARLY SALES NOTHING NEW
This isn’t the first time the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission has given the thumbs-up to early liquor sales.
They were granted in the past during the Olympics and for events like Calgary Stampede pancake breakfasts.
As for whether Albertans can be counted on to behave themselves when downing pints from 4 a.m., Loyola said licensed venues will be expected to follow all the same rules for the safe consumption of alcohol.
“In the past when these extensions have been put in place, nothing untoward has ever really happened,” he said.
Finance Minister Joe Ceci said extending hours will encourage all members of Alberta’s soccer community to get together and cheer on their teams.
“Thank you to the AGLC for working with us and keeping their eye on the ball,” he said in a statement.
Loyola said the change is a win for both fans and businesses.
“I think local businesses across Alberta will appreciate this, to be able to show the games and being able to sell a cold one to fans that are coming in to watch the game,” he said.