Alberta liquor commission relaxes rules during World Cup
Posted October 25, 2022 6:48 pm.
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has announced that people can drink early in the morning during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The commission announced Friday that there will be more “flexible liquor rules” since games will start extra early in the province.
There will be blanket approval for early liquor service between Nov. 21 – 28, with times starting at 5:30 a.m., and between Nov. 29 to Dec. 10 with times starting at 7:30 a.m.
The AGLC says closing hours won’t change, along with all other liquor license rules remaining in effect.
According to the statement, “Licensees are expected to continue to offer service in a socially responsible way to ensure the safety of their patrons during these special hours.”
The last time the AGLC made adjustments to their drinking times was during the Calgary Stampede in July, with liquor service starting at 8 a.m. throughout the July dates, and 7 a.m. on the Stampede parade.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup starts on Nov. 20, with the opening game between host country Qatar facing off against Ecuador.
READ MORE: World Cup fans could bring political tensions to quiet Qatar
Since winning the right to host the World Cup, Qatar has come under sharp criticism, due to laws that demonize homosexuality, and the exploitation of workers.
Qatari law calls for a prison sentence of one to three years for adults convicted of consensual gay or lesbian sex.
Eight of the 13 European soccer teams in the World Cup have asked FIFA for permission for their captains to wear rainbow armbands as part of the “One Love” campaign.
Officials have said the security forces will adopt a light touch during the Cup, tolerating minor infractions like public intoxication and only intervening in response to violence, destruction of property and threats to public safety.
-With files from The Associated Press
