AGLC Header
Home | News | Publications | Contact Us | Site Map Login
 
Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission Logo AGLC - About Us
AGLC - Gaming
AGLC - Liquor
AGLC - Being Responsible
Liquor
Licences
AGLC navigation spacer
Liquor Service Providers Search
AGLC navigation spacer
Policies, Procedures and Handbooks
AGLC navigation spacer
Warehouse and Distribution
AGLC navigation spacer
Responsible Liquor Service
AGLC navigation spacer
Alberta Liquor Privatization
AGLC navigation spacer
Liquor History & Facts
AGLC navigation spacer
Industry Reviews and Studies
AGLC navigation spacer
Liquor Mark-Up
AGLC navigation spacer
Frequently Asked Questions
AGLC content

 

Alberta Liquor Privatization

When Alberta became the first Canadian jurisdiction to privatize liquor retailing, warehousing and distribution in 1993, it was considered a bold step. Now, Albertans view it as simply another commercial enterprise operating successfully in the province.

In fact, private liquor retailing has been remarkably well received by consumers and everyone involved in the liquor industry and continues to meet the original objectives set out by the government.

The Alberta experience demonstrates that liquor retailing can be responsibly and well managed by the private sector, with government continuing to carry out its regulatory responsibilities and collecting revenue from liquor sales for use in public programs.

Privatization has helped the liquor industry, benefiting both retailers and consumers. More locations and greater product selection are some of the results.

BEFORE Privatization (prior to Sept. 2, 1993)

Number of retail outlets – 304

  • 202 Alberta Liquor Control Board retail stores
  • 30 retails beer stores
  • 23 wine stores
  • 49 agency stores

Number of products – 3,325

 

Liquor prices – "postage stamp" prices across the province in government-run stores


Liquor sales:
By Volume
Sales
Spirits
172,000 hectolitres
$413,761,000
Wine
162,300 hectolitres
$135,102,000
Coolers/cider
34,600 hectolitres
$15,040,000
Beer
1,824,000 hectolitres
$481,745,000
Employment – 1,300 full and part-time jobs

AFTER Privatization (as of April 2008)

Number of retail outlets – 1,187

  • 1,098 private retail liquor stores
  • 89 general merchandise liquor stores (rural locations)

Number of products available – 14,411


Liquor Sales:
By Volume
2006/07 Actual
Spirits
243,505 hectolitres
$568,115,000
Wine
288,445 hectolitres
$342,772,000
Coolers/cider
146,765 hectolitres
$65,825,000
Beer
2,643,122 hectolitres
$862,227,000

Employment – 4,000 full and part-time jobs

For more information on the privatization of Alberta’s retail liquor industry, take a look at:

Back Print Friendly Version
Copyright and Disclaimer                        Privacy Statement
Alberta Lottery Fund - Benefiting your community right now. AGLC Smart Training Programs Gaming Information for Charitable Groups