Alberta bars, restaurants now allowed to serve alcohol starting at 6 a.m.

“This change streamlines the process while maintaining the high standards in place already for safe and responsible liquor service that supports industry integrity, public well-being and community safety,” said AGLC’s chief executive officer Kandice Machado in the release.

Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally, who oversees AGLC, says businesses told the province they wanted more flexibility to meet the needs of their customers.

“We listened and we are delivering,” Nally said in the release.

The change isn’t limited to special occasions, meaning licensed establishments don’t need to wait for the upcoming FIFA World Cup to kick off or for pancakes to start flipping at the Calgary Stampede next month.

Even so, the Alberta Hospitality Association says Albertans shouldn’t expect their favourite pubs to be open early all the time.

The association’s executive director, Mona Pinder, said she thinks many business owners will be pleased with the change, but she expects major events and sports matches to be the main reason many establishments take advantage of it.

“That’s what brings people out at those hours,” said Pinder, whose association serves as an industry advocate and resource hub.

“It just gives (businesses) that opportunity just to be part of the community and ride the wave that comes with these big events.”

Karin Campbell, a spokesperson for AGLC, said the commission had granted permits for early morning sales for big sporting and cultural events for more than a decade and saw very few compliance issues.

“As we implement the policy change, AGLC will continue to monitor and work with licensees to ensure compliance is being met and enforced,” Campbell said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2026.

Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Alberta bars, restaurants now allowed to serve alcohol starting at 6 a.m.

Our Community