Alberta to allow liquor sales as early at 6:30 a.m. during this year's Calgary Stampede
'Blanket approval' for bars to open at 8 a.m., private events can get special approval for earlier
The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission will once again extend the hours that alcohol can be legally sold during this year's Calgary Stampede.
"Bars, restaurants and lounges in the city of Calgary have the option to start liquor service at 8 a.m. during the 2025 Stampede, which runs from July 4 to 13," the provincial agency said Tuesday in a news release.
The changes are a "blanket approval" that applies to all Class A, B and C liquor licensees, the AGLC said. This includes bars, lounges, taprooms and convention centres within Calgary.
"Licensees do not have to apply for this particular extension, which is for early service only," the agency said.
Closing hours for liquor service are not changing.
Liquor licensees along the Stampede Parade route can start selling alcohol even earlier — at 7 a.m. — on the morning of the parade, July 4.
In addition, private events held in the city during the Stampede that obtain permission from the AGLC may start alcohol sales as early as 6:30 a.m.
"Hours for special events are determined on a case-by-case basis," the agency said.
The AGLC regularly changes alcohol-service hours during major international sporting events or major community events.
It has extended the sales hours for the Stampede annually since 2014.