AGLC Review of Licensing Requirements for Retail Liquor Stores

ALSA recently received a letter from the AGLC advising a review of "its licensing requirements for retail liquor store applicants with regard to proposed premises over 929 square metres being physically separate and detached from adjacent businesses".

While the AGLC proposed regulation change still provides for a walled segregation of a liquor store within another store we have concerns that any large format store could find space within their existing stores or new stores to "carve out" a liquor store – which is currently prohibited.

AGLC has asked for submissions from ALSA, the Grocers and members of ALIRT (Alberta Liquor Industry Roundtable) as to whether they support, or do not support the proposed changes.

ALSA does not support the proposed changes. We feel that this regulation change could significantly alter the concept of liquor privatization as it currently exists in Alberta. We feel that, if approved, the changes could have a negative impact on the level playing field of separate businesses (introduced at the time of privatization) and allow dominance by grocers and other large format stores. The changes could potentially harm the existing one thousand liquor store businesses that operate as a separate business.

ALSA is working with the AGLC and government on your behalf to ensure they understand the implications of the proposed changes and will keep you informed of any action that we feel may be needed by you our members.

We will keep you up to date as the matter unfolds.