The Canadian province of Alberta will not move forward with plans to permit the sale of alcohol in grocery and convenience stores in the region, in order to protect its existing private liquor retail industry.

Following a review, Alberta’s MLA advisory committee, which regulates the province’s liquor retail sales, has recommended the province does not enact rules that would allow the expansion of liquor sales into convenience and grocery stores.

It noted that allowing the sale of liquor in grocery stores would impact its private liquor store industry.

In a statement, Alberta's premier Danielle Smith said the province would "accept those recommendations and ensure Alberta continues to uphold our current model, which is one of the most open in Canada".

She added: “The idea of expanding liquor sales to grocery and convenience stores has been mused about for years. I’m grateful for the significant work done by MLAs to look into the feasibility and wisdom of such an expansion and the recommendations they’ve put forward.”

The review concluded that expanding liquor sales to grocery and convenience sites would “significantly harm” the existing private liquor industry in Alberta. If enacted, it was thought to “likely lead” to independent liquor store closures, job losses and a reduction in variety for consumers.  

There are approximately 1,600 liquor stores in Alberta, selling roughly 36,000 liquor products. The committee undertook the review in consultation with industry representatives, experts and business owners.

“Expanding liquor sales to grocery and convenience stores may seem convenient for consumers but it would have a detrimental effect on the retail liquor store industry,” MLA committee member Scott Sinclair said.

“Our review determined that such a move would significantly harm small businesses and could ultimately lead to widespread closures, job losses and diminished selection for consumers.”

Alberta’s government added there are no barriers to listing a product in the province and that licensed liquor agents can bring any liquor products into the province.

In August, the Ontario government expanded its alcoholic beverages marketplace. Ontarian consumers were allowed to purchase new products, including coolers and RTD beverages, alongside more pack sizes at grocery stores that previously only sold wine or beer.

At the time, the province’s premier Doug Ford said that by the end of October 2024, “every convenience, grocery and big-box store in Ontario will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages if they choose to do so”.

As a result of the move, the province expects to bring 8,500 new venues where consumers can purchase low-alcohol products.

The LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) will continue to be the only retailer that sells high-alcohol spirits like vodka, gin and whisk(e)y.