Restrictions have been lifted to grant permission to businesses in whether or not they choose to operate come the holidays.
As of Dec. 16, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) have updated their policies which will now allow retail liquor and cannabis venues as well as minors-prohibited establishments (class A licensees) to open their doors on Christmas Day.
"A class A minors-prohibited that would be like bars, pubs, lounges, brew pubs, distilleries, where the predominant sale is alcohol versus food sales," explains Heather Holmen a spokesperson with AGLC. "Now they also are included in having the option to operate on Christmas Day, previously they would have required AGLC permission."
Holmen adds that in the past class A licensees would have to put in a request accompanied with a valid reason as to why the facility would like to remain open. This could be something such as a corporate event, private function or large family dinner. Consideration would then be given for the exception to operate on Christmas Day.
As for liquor retail stores this was not the case as it was mandatory for them to close their doors and no request could be sent to allow otherwise. Although cannabis was legalized in Canada on Oct. 17, 2018, Cochrane's Plantlife cannabis retail chain did not open its doors until July 25, 2019 due to a moratorium being issued by AGLC because of a supply shortage.
"For the cannabis retailers, it's such a new industry and a new marketplace anyway. These changes just fall in line to make it consistent with liquor stores," said Holmen.
Alberta is the only province that utilizes a private liquor model which was created back in 1993. Since, the province's retail liquor marketplace has evolved in providing Albertans with unparalleled selection, convenience and responsible customer service. The updated policy is a way to remove excessive regulation and will ultimately put more power in the hands of the business owner, something the UCP government has been lobbying to do after the implementation of Bill 4.
Holmen suspects that based on the timing of the new policies, not many businesses will be quick to jump on board this year.
After reaching out to various businesses within Cochrane, most were unaware of the updated policies and will remain closed on Christmas Day.
General manger of Cochrane's Plantlife Canada store, Bret Kilmury had knowledge of the updated AGLC policies and believes that while it could be considered a step in the right direction, caution is to be had.
"Government regulation is a huge part that sets us apart from the illicit market so it's something that 'yes a little bit of red tape to come down is great' but obviously how far do you go and to what aspect. I feel as though it's unreasonable to ask your staff to work the holiday, so from an emotional intelligent side, I feel as though it's not reasonable."
