Calgary bars, restaurants can serve alcohol early during Stampede

How about a beer to go along with your Stampede pancake breakfast?

Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) says any establishment with a liquor license will be allowed to serve alcoholic drinks as early as 8 a.m. from July 8 to 17.

The agency notes the temporary changes do not affect closing hours for liquor service — which remains 2 a.m. — and that it expects licensees “to continue to offer service in a socially responsible way to ensure the safety of their patrons during these special hours.”

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On July 8, the day the parade kicks off Stampede, AGLC says liquor-licensed businesses can start serving alcohol even earlier, starting at 7 a.m.

AGLC adds private events can get permission to start serving alcohol at 6:30 a.m., but groups have to apply for a permit and hours will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The province says the move to temporarily amend liquor selling times is being made in an effort to support local businesses.

While Stampede was held in 2021, the event was scaled back due to the ongoing pandemic. “The greatest outdoor show on earth” is returning this year in full for the first time since COVID-19 brought in health restrictions province-wide.

–With files from Tim Parent