Alberta removes special approval requirement for earlier liquor hours

A file photo of beers about to be hoisted at a bar. (File)

Licensed Alberta businesses may now begin early liquor service without special approval during the FIFA World Cup and other major sporting and cultural celebrations.

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 as early as 6 a.m.

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

Businesses used to have to apply separately for each special event in order to serve alcohol before 9 a.m. During the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, for example, licensees had to have requests approved and provide notice of hour changes to the AGLC.

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