Alberta's Best Beer: Where To Buy Your Favorite Brews

Beer and liquor are sold in Alberta at private liquor stores and as off-sales from some restaurants. Beer can also be purchased at gas stations and at participating 7-Eleven locations. Grocery stores are not permitted to sell beer, but some have separate, associated liquor stores. Alberta has many liquor stores, and most will sell beer, wine, and liquor, but selection will vary.

Where to buy beer in Alberta

Beer at 7-Eleven

In Alberta, beer sales have been privatized, allowing stores to set their own hours and prices for beer sales, within the limits of the law. While most liquor stores in Alberta sell beer alongside other alcoholic beverages like wine and liquor, these are typically separate from supermarkets and convenience stores. However, 7-Eleven stores are known for offering a wide range of ice-cold beers, conveniently available all in one spot and accessible 24/7.

Although specific regulations may vary across different locations, 7-Eleven generally provides a one-stop shop for all your favourite beers. The convenience and extended operating hours of 7-Eleven stores make them a popular choice for those looking to grab a cold one without the hassle of searching through specialty liquor stores. Whether you're a fan of domestic or imported beers, 7-Eleven aims to cater to diverse preferences by stocking a variety of options.

While the selection may differ slightly from what you'd find at dedicated liquor stores, 7-Eleven strives to carry popular brands and a range of beer styles. This includes lagers, ales, stouts, and IPAs from well-known breweries, ensuring that customers can find something to suit their tastes. The convenience of 7-Eleven's extended hours means you can satisfy your beer cravings even when other stores are closed. Their consistent focus on keeping beers ice-cold adds to the appeal, guaranteeing a refreshing drinking experience.

For those who enjoy a casual beer, 7-Eleven provides a straightforward solution. Their stores are typically scattered across urban and suburban areas, making them easily accessible to customers seeking a quick beer purchase without the need to plan a dedicated trip to a liquor store. So, whether you're hosting a small get-together, watching the game with friends, or simply unwinding after a long day, 7-Eleven has you covered with a chilled beer that hits the spot.

Beer at liquor stores

Beer & liquor are sold at private liquor stores in Alberta, and as "off-sales" from some restaurants. Beer is also sold at select 7-Eleven locations in Alberta. You can find a list of these locations on the 7-Eleven website.

Liquor stores in Alberta are typically open from 10 am to 2 am, and each store sets its own hours and prices within the limits of the law. Many grocery stores have liquor stores associated with them, but they must be physically separated. For example, you can find a Real Canadian Liquor Store across the parking lot from the Real Canadian Superstore. Many malls also have liquor stores, and you can also find them in strip malls.

While liquor stores typically carry a full range of alcoholic beverages, beer is often kept in a walk-in cooler. If you are purchasing liquor in Alberta, make sure to put any sealed bottles in the trunk of your car. Having sealed bottles within reach of the driver can result in a fine.

You can also buy beer online from local vendors like Willow Park Wines & Spirits, which offers free local delivery in Calgary for orders over $200.

Beer at gas stations

Beer and liquor are sold only at private liquor stores and as "off-sales" from some restaurants in Alberta. Beer is also available at select 7-Eleven stores, such as the one on 118th Ave and 127th. Additionally, rural gas stations are allowed to sell beer and liquor. However, it is important to note that alcoholic beverages are not sold in supermarkets or convenience stores in Alberta. The sale of alcohol in the province has been privatized, allowing stores to set their own hours and prices within the legal framework.

When it comes to purchasing beer in Alberta, there are a variety of options available. While most liquor stores offer a range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor, they are typically not sold in supermarkets or convenience stores. However, some grocery stores have affiliated liquor stores located nearby, such as Safeway liquor stores across the parking lot from Safeway grocery stores.

Malls and strip malls are also great places to find liquor stores. These stores usually offer a full range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, and often feature walk-in coolers to keep the beer selection chilled. It is worth noting that liquor stores in Alberta have varying operating hours and prices, as sales have been privatized, allowing each store to set its own hours and prices within the boundaries of the law.

While rural gas stations in Alberta are permitted to sell liquor, it is not a common occurrence, and specific regulations govern their sales. Additionally, some individuals have expressed their preference for purchasing beer at gas stations, citing the convenience of having a single location for fuelling their vehicles and acquiring alcoholic beverages. However, others have noted the higher prices of beer at gas stations compared to traditional liquor stores.

Overall, while beer and liquor are primarily sold at private liquor stores and select restaurants in Alberta, there are a few rural gas stations and select 7-Eleven stores that offer beer for the convenience of their customers. It is always a good idea to keep an eye out for liquor stores in unexpected places, as their hours and prices may vary due to privatization.

Beer at grocery stores

Beer is not sold in supermarkets or convenience stores in Alberta. However, some grocery stores have separate liquor stores associated with them, which may be located either in a separate section of the same building or across the parking lot. For example, Safeway grocery stores have associated Safeway liquor stores, and the Real Canadian Superstore has associated Real Canadian Liquor Stores.

In addition, some restaurants sell beer "off-sales", and there are also liquor stores in many malls and strip malls.

Beer can also be purchased at gas stations and from 7-Eleven stores at participating locations. Adults 18 years of age or older can purchase beer, wine, coolers, or hard seltzers at these locations.

Beer delivery services

Privatized System: Beer sales in Alberta are privatized, which means that various retailers, including private liquor stores and some restaurants, can sell beer. This privatization leads to a diverse market with varying store hours and prices, giving customers a wide range of options for purchasing beer.

Dedicated Delivery Apps: There are dedicated delivery apps, such as Deliverr, that operate in certain regions of Alberta. These apps offer a convenient platform to order beer, wine, and spirits from local stores. With a user-friendly interface, you can browse through thousands of options, take advantage of special offers, and enjoy low delivery fees starting at $3.99.

Online Retailers: Online retailers like WineOnline.ca provide beer delivery services in Alberta. They offer a wide selection of beer, wine, and liquor, ensuring customer satisfaction with their products. WineOnline.ca also provides free shipping for orders over $179 or 12 bottles, with an option to exchange or return unsatisfied purchases within 60 days.

Associated Grocery Stores: Some grocery stores have affiliated liquor stores located nearby. For instance, Safeway liquor stores are often found across the parking lot from Safeway grocery stores, and Real Canadian Liquor Stores are typically located near the Real Canadian Superstore. This arrangement provides a convenient option for customers who can purchase their groceries and beer in the same trip without having to visit multiple locations.

Malls and Strip Malls: Many malls and strip malls in Alberta have liquor stores that sell beer. These stores usually carry a full range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, liquor, and wine. The beer is often stored in walk-in coolers to maintain its freshness.

By utilizing these beer delivery services and purchasing options, residents of Alberta can conveniently acquire their preferred beer and other alcoholic beverages.

Frequently asked questions