Buying Beer At Alberta Gas Stations: Is It Possible?

Alberta has a unique approach to alcohol sales in Canada, having privatised the industry in 1993. This has led to a highly competitive market, with a wide variety of beers available from around the world. While some provinces, such as British Columbia and Saskatchewan, have a mixed system of government and privately-owned outlets, Alberta is the only province with a fully private system. This means that beer can be purchased in bars and restaurants, as well as dedicated liquor stores, but not in grocery or convenience stores. However, there are a small number of 7-Eleven stores with licenses to sell beer from a designated restaurant area.

Beer can be purchased at some gas stations in Alberta

Some people have reported being able to buy beer at gas stations in Alberta, with one person commenting that they had "been buying my white claw tall boys down at the sev [gas station] for years". Another person commented that "small towns have had beer at the gas station for years now".

However, it seems that this is not the case across the whole province, with one person commenting that they had not seen beer for sale in gas stations in their city, apart from at one 7-Eleven location. Another person commented that "there are plenty of liquor stores [in Calgary] but no liquor at 7-11".

In addition, it seems that beer cannot be purchased at grocery stores in Alberta, with one person commenting that "you cannot buy liquor in grocery stores".

Alberta has an entirely private alcohol sales approach

Alberta has a unique approach to alcohol sales, being the only Canadian province with a fully privatized liquor industry. This means that the retail, warehousing, and distribution of liquor are all controlled by private businesses, rather than the government. This system has been in place since 1993, when Alberta became the first province to privatize liquor retailing.

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) is the regulatory body that oversees the alcohol, gaming, and cannabis industries in the province. They are responsible for establishing and enforcing policies related to the importation, manufacture, sale, possession, storage, distribution, and use of liquor in Alberta. The AGLC collects a markup on the sale of liquor, which is remitted to the General Revenue Fund, contributing to the provincial treasury.

Under this private sales model, Alberta has approximately 2,300 retailers selling liquor, including specialty stores, large chains, small independent stores, and hotel and manufacturer off-sales. This open and competitive market offers consumers a wide variety of products at competitive prices. The province also has a growing local liquor industry, with 197 licensed liquor manufacturers, such as breweries, distilleries, and wineries.

The private liquor model in Alberta has been well-received by both consumers and the industry. It provides opportunities for small businesses to thrive and offers convenience and choice for those purchasing alcohol. However, there have been discussions about potentially expanding liquor sales to grocers and convenience stores. While some argue that this would increase innovation and growth, others worry that it could negatively impact small businesses and lead to widespread closures.

Alberta's approach to alcohol sales is distinct from other provinces, and it will be interesting to see if other regions follow suit or if Alberta's model remains unique in the Canadian context.

Beer can be bought at some convenience stores

In recent years, there has been a surge in craft beer sales and availability in the province. This change was brought about by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, which removed several laws that were seen as barriers to starting small breweries or brewpubs.

While beer can be purchased at some convenience stores, it is worth noting that regulations on beer sales vary from province to province in Canada. For example, in British Columbia, a mixed system is operated for all alcohol sales, with government-owned outlets, private outlets, and some alcohol sales, including beer, at rural grocery stores. In contrast, Ontario has a more complicated approach, with beer sold primarily through The Beer Store, an entity operated by a trio of foreign-owned breweries, and government-owned LCBO outlets.

In Alberta, you can find beer at dedicated liquor stores, which are typically within easy reach, and some convenience stores like 7-Eleven. However, it is important to be mindful of local regulations, such as not keeping sealed bottles within reach of the driver when transporting them, as this can result in a fine.

Beer can be purchased at liquor stores

While beer is available at liquor stores, it cannot be purchased at grocery stores or convenience stores like 7-Eleven. However, there are a handful of 7-Eleven stores with licenses to sell beer and wine from a divided "restaurant area" of the store. These sales are permitted because the seating areas put them in a different category.

In small towns and rural areas of Alberta, beer has been available at gas stations and convenience stores for years. This is a result of the distance from the next town, and some rural communities are served by private liquor outlets.

Overall, while beer can be purchased at liquor stores in Alberta, the availability at gas stations and convenience stores varies depending on the location and local regulations.

Beer can be purchased at some bars and restaurants

Alberta has a unique approach to alcohol sales in Canada, having privatised the industry in 1993. This has resulted in a highly competitive beer market, with around 2,300 different beers available at any given time. The province has also seen a surge in craft beer sales and availability in recent years, thanks to the removal of several laws that were barriers to small breweries.

In 2024, it was reported that 11 7-Eleven stores in Alberta had licenses to sell beer and wine from a divided "restaurant area" of the store. This was considered newsworthy by some, as alcohol sales had always been in stand-alone stores. However, others pointed out that this was not a new development and that it was only newsworthy because it was 7-Eleven, a convenience store with gas stations, selling alcohol.

Alberta has many liquor stores, and it is not difficult to find one, even in close proximity to 7-Eleven stores. Liquor stores have walk-in fridges with chilled beer, so customers do not need to worry about warm drinks.

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