Alberta scraps alcohol minimum price hike after political squabble
The province reversed course on beer and spirit price increases that took effect earlier this month following a public dispute between Premier Smith and Calgary's mayor.
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Alberta has reversed recent increases to the minimum price of alcohol sold in bars and restaurants, backing down from a policy change that sparked a public feud between Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas.
The price hike, which took effect earlier in June, mandated higher minimum prices across spirits, liquors, wine, beer, and cider. The minimum cost for cans and bottles of beer jumped to $4 from $2.75.
Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally announced Monday that the government has directed the provincial liquor regulator to reverse the increases.
The reversal follows a weekend social media exchange in which Smith accused Calgary city council of being the "fun police" for implementing new rules around noise and closing times ahead of the Calgary Stampede. Farkas fired back, pointing out that it was Smith's government that had undercut good times by hiking minimum booze prices.
