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Province tables legislation to change Gaming and Liquor Act

Apr 9, 2018 | 5:14 PM

EDMONTON — Amendments to the Gaming and Liquor Act have been tabled in the legislature in advance of cannabis legalization.

Kathleen Ganley, the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, along with Finance Minister Joe Ceci, announced Bill 6 on Monday. If passed, the amendments would modernize the Gaming and Liquor Act to include Cannabis.

“We remain focused on building a system for legal cannabis that prioritizes the safety and security of all Albertans,” said Ganley in a statement. “These amendments to the Gaming and Liquor Act represent another step in our continued work to prepare for the legalization of cannabis.”

Some of the proposed updates includes a prohibition from naming or branding cannabis retailers and products with terms and symbols that have medical connotation, such as “therapeutic” or “medicinal.”

“Stores that will sell cannabis for recreational use are not pharmacies, nor will they have professional oversight from pharmacy practitioners,” said Greg Eberhart, registrar with the Alberta College of Pharmacists, in a news release. “The Alberta College of Pharmacists supports this legislation.”

In addition, the amendments include an increase in the maximum administrative fines for infractions under the act from $200,000 to $1 million. It would also allow a court to rely on a law enforcement officer’s ability to infer a product is cannabis based on its packaging, labelling or smell for the purpose of offences under the act. This would mirror the current practice under the act for alcohol and tobacco.

In addition, the amendment would create an offence to enable enforcement against an owner or operation of a premises who allows smoking or vaping of cannabis where it is prohibited, similar to the existing rules for tobacco and alcohol.

The proposed amendment would also allow Albertans to make their own beer, wine, ciders and coolers within licensed premises.

“Our government has worked to eliminate unnecessary regulation that negatively impacts our restaurant and bar industry,” said Ceci in a statement. “Ferment-on-premises and blending of liquor products represent common sense changes that open new revenue streams for business and allows Albertans another way to responsibly enjoy themselves.”

The proposed act can be viewed here.