Alcohol serving regulations are defined by Alberta’s liquor policy, specifically detailed in Section 5.1 of the LICENSEE HANDBOOK.
You should always stay up to date with changes to the rules. It is hard enough to operate a business a it is, let alone the added expenses of fines and legal fees.
What Time Can You Start Serving Alcohol in Alberta?
In Alberta, you can start serving alcohol at 9am.
More specifically, according to Section 5.1.1 of Alberta’s liquor policy, the general time frame for serving alcohol under Class A, B, C, or F Licences is from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Exceptions to the General Rule
Race Tracks
As per Section 5.1.1c, alcohol can be served at race tracks 2 hours before post time until the end of the last race, but it still has to be within the limit of 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Theatre
Section 5.1.1f states that alcohol service at theatres can commence 2 hours before the opening curtain but should not start before 9:00 a.m. and must end by 2:00 a.m.
Daylight Savings Time
According to Section 5.1.7, liquor sales or service must end before the clocks are adjusted for Daylight Savings Time and cannot resume until the next business day.
On-Premises Consumption Time
As outlined in Section 5.1.2, on-premises alcohol consumption is authorized to continue for a maximum of 1 hour after the liquor service ends.
All alcohol must be cleared from patron areas by 3:00 a.m.
Patron Rules for Licensed Premises
Class A Minors Prohibited & Minors Allowed
Section 5.1.3 and 5.1.4 require that all patrons must leave a Class A licensed premises by the end of the one-hour consumption period. The only exceptions are the licensee’s spouse and staff, and workers maintaining or making repairs to the licensed premises.
Additional Time-Related Policies
Class D Licensed Premises
Section 5.1.6 dictates that a Class D licensed premises must be closed except during the hours endorsed for liquor sales on the license.
“Last Call” Protocol
According to Section 5.1.10, the “last call” must be timed to ensure that patrons who order liquor are served within the licensed hours.
In Summary
- The general time frame for serving alcohol in Alberta under most license classes is from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
- There are specific exceptions for venues like race tracks and theatres.
- Alcohol consumption is allowed for one additional hour after service ends, but all alcohol must be cleared by 3:00 a.m.
- During Daylight Savings Time, liquor sales must stop before the clocks are adjusted.
- “Last call” must be timed within the licensed hours of operation.
