The Alberta Model

The Alberta Model

THE ALBERTA MODEL

As of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Alberta boasted 1,622 retail liquor stores, reflecting the province's vibrant and competitive alcohol market. This number underscores Alberta's unique privatized liquor distribution model, which has been in place since 1993.

Unlike many other provinces in Canada where government-run stores dominate, Alberta's system allows for private ownership, leading to a diverse range of stores with varying selections and price points.

AGLC

The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission's (AGLC) role - through its Board and management - is to administer the Gaming and Liquor Act and related legislation. The AGLC is responsible for regulating Alberta's charitable gaming activities and for conducting and managing provincial gaming activities. It also oversees the manufacture, importation, sale, purchase, possession, storage, transportation, use and consumption of liquor in Alberta. In managing its responsibilities, the AGLC continually assesses and balances revenue generation with the responsible provision of gaming and liquor.

Alberta's privatized liquor model allows Albertans access to a wide range of products. As of January 2024, more than 50,000 liquor products were available across the province and more than 1,600 stores. The private sector operates the retailing, warehousing, and distribution of liquor and the AGLC licenses and regulates the industry.

CONNECT LOGISTICS

The AGLC establishes policies and authorizes operators for the warehousing and distribution of liquor products in the province. The AGLC has a presence at each of the warehouses to ensure that mark-up is collected on all products sold.

Connect Logistics Services Inc. warehouses and distributes spirits, wine, coolers and imported beer in Alberta. Its bonded warehouse in St. Albert receives product from more than 70 countries, takes orders from Alberta liquor licenses, then assembles and ships these orders to more than 320 communities in our province via postage-stamp delivery.

LiquorConnect.com helps consumers search for products in the Alberta market and helps them find the closest liquor outlet in Alberta that carries that product. Simply enter the city or postal code and you’ll know which Retailers have ordered that product recently.