After a comprehensive review, the MLA Advisory Committee tasked with evaluating Alberta’s liquor retail model has recommended to the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction that the province should not move forward with allowing liquor sales in grocery and convenience stores. The review into the potential expansion of liquor sales into grocery and convenience stores was initiated to explore the feasibility and impact of such a change on Alberta’s retail liquor industry.
“The idea of expanding liquor sales to grocery and convenience stores has been mused about for years. I’m grateful for the significant work done by MLAs to look into the feasibility and wisdom of such an expansion and the recommendations they’ve put forward. I am pleased to accept those recommendations and ensure Alberta continues to uphold our current model, which is one of the most open in Canada.”
The committee's recommendation comes after extensive consultations with industry representatives, business owners and experts. The decision to uphold the current model was made to protect Alberta’s private liquor industry, which has been a pillar of economic growth and job creation since privatization in the 1990s.
“Alberta’s private liquor model is a jewel in the crown and allows small businesses to thrive while providing a wide variety of products and services. I accept the MLA committee’s recommendation to keep a level playing field and ensure the continued success of these businesses.”
“Expanding liquor sales to grocery and convenience stores may seem convenient for consumers, but it would have a detrimental effect on the retail liquor store industry. Our review determined that such a move would significantly harm small businesses and could ultimately lead to widespread closures, job losses and diminished selection for consumers.”
The MLA committee’s findings underscore the strength and diversity of Alberta’s existing private liquor model, which offers Albertans one of the most varied selections of alcohol in the country, along with competitive pricing and tailored customer service.
After consulting with members of the liquor industry and analyzing the economic effects, the committee concluded that expanding liquor sales to grocery and convenience stores would significantly harm Alberta’s existing private liquor retail model. Allowing sales of this nature would likely lead to widespread closures of independent liquor stores, job losses and a decrease in product variety and customer service. As a result, the committee recommended maintaining the current model to preserve the strength and stability of Alberta’s unique private liquor industry.
Quick facts
- With more than 1,600 stores and 36,000 liquor products, Alberta has one of the most open liquor markets in Canada.
- There are no barriers to listing a product in Alberta, as licensed liquor agents can pick and choose any products to bring into the province.