Frequently Asked Questions

What role does the provincial government play in Alberta's privatized liquor industry?

The AGLC administers and enforces the Gaming and Liquor Act and Regulation, including maintaining liquor policy, and collects the government’s flat mark-up on beverage alcohol.

Retailing, warehousing and distribution of liquor is privatized. Suppliers and agents must register with the AGLC, and are responsible for all aspects of ordering, consolidation, shipping, and marketing.

Any liquor products sold in Alberta must be registered with the AGLC. More information is available from Connect Logistics Services Ltd.

What is the legal drinking age in Alberta?

18 years of age.

Can staff working at a licensed establishment consume liquor while working?

Licensees will normally not allow on duty staff to consume liquor or be under the influence of liquor. However, staff may consume a beverage after the end of a shift provided the beverage is paid for during permitted hours of liquor sales authorized on the licence.

For more information, please read section 6.2.20 and 6.2.21 of the Licensee Handbook.

Where can I find information on the different types of liquor licences required in Alberta?

Go to the AGLC's liquor licences page.

I am interested in importing and distributing liquor products into Alberta. How do I go about this?

Only AGLC registered liquor agencies are authorized to import a supplier’s product. You may contact the AGLC at (780) 447-8600 (in Alberta, dial 310-0000 for toll free access) to receive a Liquor Agency Information Package, which contains:

• information outlining the requirements for the registration of a liquor agency
• current legislation governing liquor products
• policy guidelines on liquor advertising and product promotions
• Canadian labelling requirements (followed in Alberta)
• quality and health standards
• New Product Information Form (used to register a new product)
• how to calculate the wholesale price of your products, and
• how the warehouse is operated and the associated charges

To become a registered liquor agency in Alberta, the applicant must have a Canadian company and be incorporated in Alberta. If the company is outside Alberta, you must obtain extra-provincial registration or be registered under the Business Corporations Act of Alberta. There is a $200 non-refundable fee to register a liquor agency.

Can liquor be purchased on-line in Alberta?

Yes. AGLC policy allows licensed retail liquor stores to advertise their products on the Internet and allows customers to place orders on-line. These orders must be delivered by the retailer or a Class D licensee (e.g., delivery service). The licensee is responsible for not selling/delivering to minors or intoxicated persons.

AGLC policy does not allow 'virtual' or 'e-commerce' liquor stores. All licensees must have a physical store location.

The AGLC does not have information about which retailers provide on-line services.

How do I purchase liquor that is not available in Alberta?

Contact a registered liquor agency and have them import the product for you.

I'm hosting an event at which liquor will be served. How do I get a liquor licence?

Information on special event liquor licences is available on the Special Events Liquor Licences page of this Web site.

Can I serve homemade wine at my wedding/reception?

No. Under legislation, homemade wine, cider, and/or beer may not be served or consumed at any licensed function. Homemade products can only be legally served in a private residence.

Where can I return liquor bottles?

All liquor containers can be returned for a full deposit at any bottle depot. There are more than two hundred bottle depots located throughout Alberta. Visit the Beverage Container Management Board's website to get the addresses and hours of operation for all bottle depots.

What is Bring your own Bottle or BYOW?

After consulting with liquor and food service industry stakeholders, changes have been made to provincial liquor laws and policies to permit patrons to bring their own wine to participating restaurants, remove partially consumed wine from a restaurant, and to permit commercial catering companies to be licensed to serve/sell liquor at public and private events.

More information about BYOW is available on the Responsible Liquor Services page of this Web site and BYOW participating locations.

I'm interested in working for your organization. Where can I send my resume?

Please check our Employment Opportunities page.  Fax or mail your resume to:

Human Resources, Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
50 Corriveau Ave
St. Albert, AB
T8N 3T5
Fax: (780) 447-8918

Please ensure that you quote the competition number on your resume.