Grocery, convenience store liquor sales not coming to Alberta

Albertans won’t be able to buy a bottle of wine or a case of beer at grocery or convenience stores any time soon.

The province says a review was done to examine the province’s retail liquor model and look at the feasibility of allowing alcohol to be sold outside liquor stores.

“The idea of expanding liquor sales to grocery and convenience stores has been mused about for years. I’m grateful for the significant work done by MLAs to look into the feasibility and wisdom of such an expansion and the recommendations they’ve put forward. I am pleased to accept those recommendations and ensure Alberta continues to uphold our current model, which is one of the most open in Canada,” Premier Danielle Smith said in a statement.

The recommendation to maintain the status quo comes after extensive consultations with industry representatives, business owners, and experts, according to the province.

The decision to stay with the current model protects Alberta’s private liquor industry, which the government says has been essential to economic growth and job creation since it was privatized in the 1990s.

“Alberta’s private liquor model is a jewel in the crown and allows small businesses to thrive while providing a wide variety of products and services. I accept the MLA committee’s recommendation to keep a level playing field and ensure the continued success of these businesses,” said Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally.

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Lesser Slave Lake MLA, Scott Sinclair, who also served on the review committee, said that while expanding sale locations for liquor may seem convenient for consumers, it would have a devastating effect on the retail liquor store industry.

“Our review determined that such a move would significantly harm small businesses and could ultimately lead to widespread closures, job losses and diminished selection for consumers,” he said.

Changes to Alberta’s liquor model, would lead to the widespread closures of independent liquor stores, job losses, and a decrease in product variety and customer service, the government added.

The province says there are currently more than 1,600 liquor stores in Alberta that offer 36,000 products.

There are no barriers to listing a product in Alberta, as licensed liquor agents can pick and choose any products to bring to the province. This means Alberta has one of the most open liquor markets in the country, according to the government.

Ontario recently made changes to its liquor sales model, allowing for alcohol to be sold in grocery and convenience stores.