The Alberta Gaming, Alcohol and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) says it is once again allowing bars, restaurants and lounges with Class A, B and C licenses to serve alcohol earlier in the day, starting at 8 a.m. The largest fair in metropolitan Alberta will take place this year from July 5 to 14.
At private events with special permission, alcohol may be served during the event starting at 6:30 a.m., the agency said.AGLC in a press release.
On kickoff day, businesses along the parade route may serve alcohol from 7 a.m.
The extension of opening hours started as a pilot in 2014. In the past theAGLC permission for the advance serving of alcoholic beverages at special events is granted on a case-by-case basis.
Normal opening hours for alcoholic drinks are from 10am to 2am.
L’AGLC said that under the regulation, businesses still have to end sales of alcoholic beverages and such at 2 a.m all other rules applicable to the Service remain in effect
.
A welcome decision for the sector
Mark von Schellwitz, vice-president of the lobby group Restaurants Canada for the West, says the relaxation of the policy is welcome for the industry as the Stampede is a good time to generate more sales.
Whether it is a pancake breakfast or another type of event, this measure gives them the opportunity to serve alcohol
he rejoices.
This kind of flexibility and alcohol policy makes the Calgary Stampede the greatest spectacle in the world and a major asset to the Calgary hospitality industry.
Mark von Schellwitz, vice-president of Restaurants Canada, says allowing pre-sales of alcoholic beverages will benefit the hospitality industry during the Calgary Stampede.
Photo: Radio Canada / CBC News
He says it will help businesses meet the demand of visitors coming to Calgary for the 10-day event.
Last year’s Stampede was the second busiest in history with more than 1.3 million attendees, behind the 2012 Stampede.
With information from Taylor Braat