AGLC eliminates restrictions on patio liquor hours

As of today, Alberta restaurants will be able to serve alcohol on their patios as lateas they're allowed to serve it indoors.

The change comes with theelimination of the Alberta Gaming and LiquorCommission's"patio hours" policy, which for the last 20 years hasrestricted liquor service and live entertainment.

"They'll be able to essentially stay open and match the liquor license that's in the event or in the bar or lounge," saidBill Robinson,AGLCpresident and CEO.

Previously, patios were required tostop servingliquor at midnight,with aone-hour consumption period to follow.

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"We thought it was time to modernize this and to bring itforward," he said.

Robinson said bars, restaurants and lounges in the province had indicated that removing these restrictions would allow them to manage occupancy levels during peak hours.

With regard to whether this could lead to more heavy drinking or violence, Robinson said liquor licensees and their staff are expected to continue following all requirements for responsible liquor service.

Noise control

The AGLC patio hours policy was initially meant to control noise from DJ booths, live entertainment and stereos located outdoors.

Nowthat responsibility falls on individual municipalities, he said.

Cities that do not have their ownnoise bylaws can make a request to theAGLCto impose conditions on a liquor licence restricting patio hours where circumstances warrant.

The old policy stated that recorded music must be kept at a low volume,DJ booths werenot allowed to be connected to outdoor speakers,and permanent live entertainment requiredthe written approval of the municipality.