Alberta changes rules to allow for homegrown cannabis sales, local booze on party bikes

Some changes are coming to alcohol and cannabis regulation in Alberta.

Albertans spending a summer day on party bike or tavern tour will soon be able to enjoy local beers and spirits on their adventures.

This is thanks to updated rules from the province around liquor and cannabis. Old regulations previously prevented local produces from advertising their own brands on party bikes.

It will also soon be easier for a liquor retailer to set up shop in an underused commercial space.

The province says businesses that own or lease large buildings will now be able to carve out a separate liquor store within their space, as long as it has its own entrance and full floor-to-ceiling walls that separate it from other retail spaces.

Federally licensed cannabis cultivators and processors will now be able to apply for a retail license to sell their products directly from the same property, commonly known as “farm-gate” sales.

This move will put Alberta in line with other provinces and gives consumers better access to homegrown cannabis products while also supporting licensed growers.

Alberta’s government says these changes are part of a push to cut red tape, reduce the regulatory burden, and promote a more competitive market across the province.