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By rdnewsNOW staff

removing red tape

Alberta government announces new rules on cannabis and liquor

Jul 2, 2025 | 4:06 PM

The provincial government has announced new rules around alcohol and cannabis in Alberta to remove red tape for small businesses and expand choices for consumers.

This includes a change that allows liquor producers to sell their own products on large format bikes or “party bikes.”

The soon to be updated rules will give small liquor producers the ability to serve their own alcohol on bikes, which will knock out the old mandate that prevented them from advertising their own brands.

“We are proud that these amendments not only cut red tape in the retail segment of the liquor marketplace, but also directly open more opportunities for small manufacturers to grow their businesses,” said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.

In addition, businesses that own or lease large buildings can now create a separate liquor store within their space, so long as it has its own entrance and full floor-to-ceiling walls separating it from other retail operations.

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Finally, the province says federally licensed cannabis growers will now be able to apply for a retail license to sell cannabis from the same property. This change is said to align Alberta with other provinces and give consumers more access to locally grown cannabis.

Alberta government quick facts

• Alberta’s retail liquor industry is robust, with more than 35,000 products available across more than 1,600 retail stores
• Larger companies with other retail stores, operate multiple retail stores that have a liquor store on site, but in a separate building.
• There are 752 licenced cannabis retail stores in Alberta.
• There are 2,356 licensed cannabis products for sale in the province.
• All cannabis retailers must be licensed by AGLC.
• Licensed producers are regulated by Health Canada.