Albertans won't be able to buy alcohol from grocery and convenience stores after all. Bottles of wine are shown on display at a liquor store in Cremona, Alta. on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018.
Albertans will not be able to purchase alcohol from grocery or convenience stores, as the provincial government has decided against moving forward with the idea.
This option had been under consideration since late last year, but the government concluded that protecting private retailers is a priority. The decision followed consultations with industry representatives, liquor store owners, and experts by a committee of elected officials.
The government expressed concern that allowing grocery and convenience stores to sell alcohol could lead to closures of liquor stores, job losses, and a reduction in product variety.
In contrast, earlier this year, Ontario allowed grocery and corner stores to sell beer, wine, and canned alcoholic beverages, competing with the province-owned Liquor Control Board of Ontario outlets.
Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally emphasized that keeping things as they are will help the province's approximately 1,600 privately-owned liquor stores remain successful. "Alberta’s private liquor model is a point of pride, supporting small businesses while offering a wide range of products and services," Nally stated in a news release.
Scott Sinclair, a committee member and MLA for Lesser Slave Lake, acknowledged that while it might be more convenient for consumers, allowing alcohol sales in grocery and convenience stores could significantly harm the existing private alcohol retail industry.
