Alberta bars, restaurants now allowed to serve alcohol starting at 6 a.m.
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EDMONTON – New liquor rules could see Albertans be able to drink up soon after they wake up.
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission, or AGLC, announced Tuesday that licensed bars, restaurants and other establishments can now serve alcohol as early as 6 a.m.
Licensed businesses and clubs used to need special permission to serve alcohol before 9 a.m. if special events like the Olympics or the Calgary Stampede were on.
But the AGLC said in a news release that the process created too much paperwork for itself and businesses, so it’s letting licence holders decide when they turn on the taps.
“This change streamlines the process while maintaining the high standards in place already for safe and responsible liquor service that supports industry integrity, public well-being and community safety,” said AGLC’s chief executive officer Kandice Machado in the release.
Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally, who oversees AGLC, says businesses told the province they wanted more flexibility to meet the needs of their customers.
“We listened and we are delivering,” Nally said in the release.
The change isn’t limited to special occasions, meaning licensed establishments don’t need to wait for the upcoming FIFA World Cup to kick off or for pancakes to start flipping at the Calgary Stampede next month.
Even so, the Alberta Hospitality Association says Albertans shouldn’t expect their favourite pubs to be open early all the time.
The association’s executive director, Mona Pinder, said she thinks many business owners will be pleased with the change, but she expects major events and sports matches to be the main reason many establishments take advantage of it.
“That’s what brings people out at those hours,” said Pinder, whose association serves as an industry advocate and resource hub.
“It just gives (businesses) that opportunity just to be part of the community and ride the wave that comes with these big events.”
Karin Campbell, a spokesperson for AGLC, said the commission had granted permits for early morning sales for big sporting and cultural events for more than a decade and saw very few compliance issues.
“As we implement the policy change, AGLC will continue to monitor and work with licensees to ensure compliance is being met and enforced,” Campbell said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2026.
