Cases of beer can be seen in a liquor store in an undated photo - CHAT News file

By Charles Lefebvre

Province introduces bill to amend liquor laws

Feb 26, 2020 | 3:43 PM

EDMONTON, AB — Albertans could soon be allowed to consume alcohol in parks if a new bill introduced Wednesday afternoon passed in the legislature.

Bill 2 was introduced by Grant Hunter, the Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction, on Wednesday, and would make amendments to the province’s Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act.

One of the amendments includes letting municipalities decide if they will allow alcohol consumption in designated picnic areas in their parks without requiring food to be consumed along with the beverage.

The bill also proposes providing a single, streamlined process for municipalities and Metis Settlements to respond to applications for a liquor licence an application for a liquor licence in a community that does not already have one.

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“These amendments are a clear signal that we are serious about making sure Alberta has an open and modern regulatory system,” Hunter wrote in a statement. “These amendments will have a positive effect on municipalities and licensees by eliminating unnecessary processes and getting rid of cumbersome rules.”

“AGLC is committed to working with industry partners to continue to bring forward policy changes that support business development,” said AGLC president/CEO Alain Maisonneuve in a statement. “While innovation is the driving force behind the amendments, AGLC remains committed to offering responsible choices that Albertans can trust, while maintaining a regulatory environment that remains effective in reducing social harms.”

If passed, the changes would take effect on April 1.

In the release, the province indicated they will be taking additional action to “further improve the regulations surrounding Alberta’s liquor laws.”