You may soon be able to drink legally in Alberta parks

A new bill tabled in legislature will make it possible for you to get your drink on legally in Alberta’s recreational parks.

Bill 2, the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Amendment Act, proposes a way to relax Alberta’s laws when it comes to alcohol.

According to a release, one of the major changes includes allowing municipalities to decide whether or not public consumption in their parks will be allowed.

“These amendments are a clear signal that we are serious about making sure Alberta has an open and modern regulatory system,” said Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction, who introduced the bill.

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The bill would apply to municipal parks, picnic areas in provincial parks, and other recreational areas.

“If passed, it will ultimately be up to the owners and operators to decide whether or not to allow liquor consumption in clearly marked areas,” said Hunter in a news conference.

“These amendments will have a positive effect on municipalities and licensees by eliminating unnecessary processes and getting rid of cumbersome rules.”

Another key change includes “providing a single, streamlined process for municipalities and Metis Settlements to respond to an application for a liquor licence in a community that does not already have one,” said the release.

“This will make it easier to grant liquor licences,” said Hunter.

The Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis agency says they want to continue to work towards bringing policy changes in support of business development.

“While innovation is the driving force behind the amendments, AGLC remains committed to offering responsible choices that Albertans can trust, while maintaining a regulatory environment that remains effective in reducing social harms,” said Alain Maisonneuve, president & CEO, AGLC.

The government says they are looking to continue to review and modernize legislation, regulations and policy “as part of the ongoing commitment to reduce red tape, and additional action will soon be taken to further improve the regulations surrounding Alberta’s liquor laws.”

We’ll drink to that!