Mayor Farkas calls out Alberta for hiking liquor prices before Stampede
Minimum beer prices jumped nearly 60% after Alberta's first liquor price increase since 2008, days before the Calgary Stampede begins.
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Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas is criticizing the Alberta government over minimum liquor price increases announced last week, calling the timing particularly poor ahead of the Stampede. Effective June 9, the Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) raised minimum prices: spirits and liqueurs to $4 per ounce, wine to $0.50 per ounce, draught beer to $0.25 per ounce, and bottled and canned beer, ciders, and coolers to $4.00 each. A bottle of beer climbed from $2.75 to $4.00, and a 20-ounce pint jumped from $3.20 to $5.00 — nearly a $2 increase.
This is the first price increase since 2008. The AGLC said the changes were made to "meet the needs of licensees" and reflected rising costs and inflation. The agency also stated the hike reinforces its "social responsibility commitment to reducing alcohol-related harms by encouraging moderation." Farkas, commenting on social media Sunday, called the province the "fun police" and said the "last-minute hike" before the Stampede (which begins July 3) targets those trying to "enjoy a pint." He warned the increase will "negatively affect thousands of workers and create additional problems for bars and restaurants already facing higher costs." Farkas urged Smith and the AGLC to "reconsider these changes" and work with operators to find solutions that balance service with business benefits.
He pointed out that "many major provinces successfully support thriving business and hospitality industries" without raising liquor prices. The mayor's comments reflect broader friction between Calgary and the province. Premier Danielle Smith recently criticized changes to the city's noise bylaw ahead of the Stampede Cowboys Music Festival.