By Haven Thibert

Impending booze ban leads to confusion among consumers

Mar 6, 2025 | 2:44 PM

In response to the recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith declared that Alberta will stop selling American liquor.

The ban will take effect once the current stock of American products runs out, leaving no new American alcohol to be sold in Alberta’s liquor stores.

“This move is in line with our commitment to support local businesses and ensure that Alberta’s liquor market remains strong and competitive,” Premier Smith stated.

The ban means that once the existing inventory is depleted, American products will no longer be available for sale in the province.

At Shark Club Liquor in Lethbridge, employees are already fielding questions from confused customers who are uncertain about what’s Canadian and what’s American.

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“You know, it depends on what’s going on and what you’re looking at,” says Thomas, an employee at Shark Club Liquor. “Some products, like Old Milwaukee or Pabst Blue Ribbon, have American names, but they are made in Canada and owned by Canadian companies.”

This issue has become a point of confusion for many consumers, especially with brands like Strohs, which was originally American but bought out by a Canadian company in 2004.

Although the beer is now brewed and owned in Canada, many customers still associate it with its American roots.

The local liquor store is helping customers by providing information about brand ownership and origin.

While the province’s ban aims to support local businesses, it has also sparked concern among some consumers who fear that their access to certain international brands will be limited. Shark Club Liquor is adapting by shifting focus to Canadian products, helping customers find new favorites.

READ MORE: Alberta Premier Smith makes rounds on U.S. TV news shows to defend new booze rules

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