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Alberta Lets Licensed Venues Serve Alcohol From 6 a.m.

Removing the special‑permit step aims to cut red tape for businesses.

Overview

  • The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission announced Tuesday that class A, B, C and F licence holders may optionally begin serving alcohol at 6 a.m. year‑round.
  • Closing times remain unchanged at 3 a.m. with last call still one hour before closing.
  • AGLC said it approved early‑service permits for major events for more than a decade with very few compliance issues and will monitor rollout to ensure safe and responsible service.
  • Hospitality groups welcomed the change as a time‑saving measure that gives operators flexibility for staffing and extra sales during events like the Calgary Stampede and the World Cup.
  • Previously businesses had to apply for special permission, often with up to two weeks' notice, a process the regulator says created administrative burden and delayed operators.