Alcohol sales during 2016 Calgary Stampede can start at 8 a.m.

Bars and restaurants across the city can again sell alcohol starting at 8 a.m. duringthe Calgary Stampede, the province's liquor authority has announced.

The "blanket approval for early liquor service" will apply to allClass A, B and C liquor licensees in Calgary from July 8 to July 17, accordingto theAlberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC).

Businesses along the route of the Stampede parade can also apply to open one hour earlier, at 7 a.m., on the day of the parade, July 8.

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"The Stampede is a major event in our province, bringing thousands of visitors to Calgary to enjoy the unique Stampede experience," the AGLC said in a release.

The AGLC "is pleased to support liquor-licensed businesses with more flexible liquor service hours," it added.

The commissionintroduced across-the-boardearlyhours during the 2014 Calgary Stampedeas a pilot project.

At the time, Calgary police said they would monitor the situation closely for any changes in impaired driving or social disorder calls, but no major increase in problems was observed.

For years prior, the AGLC hadbeen granting permits forearly liquor service for special events on a case-by-case basis.

In February 2014, it also allowed bars province-wide to serve alcohol startingat 5 a.m. during the gold medal hockey game at the Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

The AGLC also announced on Friday that it would eliminate the previous restriction on "happy hours" that prevented bars from selling drinks at discounted prices after 8 p.m.