Alberta - Alcohol Policy for Community Safety and Well-being

Alberta municipalities are both committed, and well-positioned, to create vibrant communities where Albertans can thrive. Evidence shows that through the development of preventative alcohol policies, municipalities can realize a host of benefits that go far beyond improved health and safety, such as reduced community disruption, reduced demand on security and police resources, and reduced costs to taxpayers.

Municipalities across Canada are taking steps to improve the well-being of their citizens and communities through alcohol policy development. Alberta Health Services is committed to supporting Alberta municipalities in this important process.

Learn more: Alcohol Policy for Community Safety, Vibrancy, Health and Well-Being A Practical Guide for Alberta Municipalities

How to reduce alcohol use in your community:

• Alcohol-free events - The Town of Stony Plain, Alberta, implements incentives for alcohol-free events. The Town will rent town-owned recreational facilities to individuals, groups and organizations at higher rental fees if the facility rental involves alcohol. 
• Restriction on liquor store hours - The City of Wetaskiwin, Alberta, restricts liquor store hours of operation. On January 1, 2010, after a unanimous vote, the City Council of Wetaskiwin introduced its Business Hours Bylaw. This bylaw sets the hours of operation for liquor retail stores and liquor off-sales establishments between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., seven days per week, including statutory holidays.
• Controlling pricing and service hours - The City of Airdrie, Alberta, controls alcohol pricing and restricts hours of service on municipally owned property.

Read more about what communities across Alberta are doing to impact health and well-being:

Real Communities, Real Issues, Real Solutions 

Ways to take action: Community Strategy - Alcohol Reduction