Albertans unite around many things––the Calgary Stampede, BBQ’d sirloin steak, and fighting Ottawa.
But there is one thing that has divided us since the dawn of time: liquor.
Although prohibition in Canada ended in 1920, Alberta remained dry as a whistle for four more years. Prohibition was finally repealed in 1924
Not everyone was happy with the decision, with some communities like Stirling, Cardston, and Raymond choosing to stay dry for decades, some for even more than a century.
After 121 years, Cardston finally let the liquor flow just a few months ago.
Last month, Premier Danielle Smith expressed support for allowing convenience stores and grocery stores to sell liquor.
“I tootle over to the Co-op, and I pick up my dinner. Then I tootle over and pick up my wine at the other location. It is so much more convenient if they were all on-site in one place,” said Smith.
Her support came shortly after Ontario’s Doug Ford approved some alcohol sales in stores by 2026.
Smith’s interest in changing liquor laws already has people divided.
Divided over Daquiris
Red Tape Reduction Minister and MLA for Morinville-St. Albert, Dale Nally, is looking into whether revamped liquor laws are worth it.
According to Nally, some people are concerned that more convenient alcohol access will promote rowdiness and bad behaviour.
But the province’s decision to allow alcohol consumption at some parks proves otherwise.
“We have to acknowledge that prohibition is over…we first touched on this when we allowed beer to be consumed in parks,” said Nally.
“The fact is, I’ve had a number of conversations with individuals, and Albertans are very well-behaved. This has not presented any problems in our parks,” continued Nally.
The largest organization against allowing liquor sales in convenience stores and grocery stores is the Alberta Liquor Store Association.
The Association provides a “united voice to advocate for and represent the majority of Alberta’s private liquor store industry.”
The Association represents close to 600 independent retail liquor stores across the province.
President of the Association, Ivonne Martinez, believes the move will make alcohol more accessible to minors and disadvantage existing liquor stores.
“Hundreds of independent liquor businesses have spent thousands setting up their liquor stores, up to $750,000, and by changing the laws it would make for an unfair level playing field,” explained Martinez.
Nally isn’t concerned.
A few 7-Eleven stores in the province began selling alcohol in 2021. He claims there is no evidence to show that nearby liquor stores’ sales were affected.
The people purchasing alcohol are adults, not children.
Convenience stores and grocery stores have the same responsibility to check for identification as liquor stores.
Lobbyist Martinez claims we have “the best system of liquor retailing in the country.” But is she only saying that because it profits for the liquor stores she represents?
“If people want to buy some beer, want to buy some wine and they’re of age, why make it difficult? Why not allow them to do that? The rules are still going to be the same,” said Smith.
Ontario treats its consumers like adults; do we deserve the same respect?
Most would think so, including Smith.
Smith wants access to convenient booze.
And we all know that Premier Smith is willing to push through her pet projects, no matter the objections in the way.
