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Premier Jason Kenney and Environment and Parks Minister Jason Nixon are pushing back against the excesses of the nanny state and the ‘War on Fun.’ Beginning this May long weekend, the liquor ban imposed on eight remaining provincial parks will be lifted. Moving forward, this government is committed to remove unnecessary red tape for festival organizers hosting events in municipalities and provincial parks. Relaxed liquor regulations will also extend to select provincial park day use area picnic sites later this summer.

“It’s time to lift prohibition-era restrictions around liquor consumption in Alberta and give responsible adults the freedom to act responsibly. This is part of our plan to take bold, decisive steps to reduce regulatory burden on business and not-for-profit festival organizations. We will take Alberta from being the most over-regulated to the freest economy in Canada.” Jason Kenney, Premier

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis regulations have been clarified to allow event organizers the flexibility to serve drinks where they see fit on festival grounds. Albertans will be able to responsibly enjoy the environment festival organizers wish to create. The same strategy is being applied to festivals and events in provincial parks by making approvals for liquor licences less restrictive.

This May long weekend, the liquor ban will be lifted at Aspen Beach, Miquelon Lake, Garner Lake, Dillberry Lake, Pigeon Lake, Whitney Lakes, Jarvis Bay and Wabamun provincial parks. There is no ban in place in Alberta Parks’ other provincial campgrounds.

Historically, there has been a liquor ban only over the May long weekend and only in select provincial parks.

“The vast majority of Albertans who enjoy our provincial parks do so responsibly. We should not punish the majority of responsible campers through liquor bans because of the past behaviour of a few bad characters.” Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks

Rules and regulations around quiet times, excessive noise and appropriate behaviour continue to be in place and will be enforced as they are in Alberta Parks’ other campgrounds. Enforcement staff will shift their focus from enforcing the previous liquor ban to addressing negative behaviour. Liquor consumption in provincial campgrounds is restricted to adults and in campsites only.

Relaxing liquor constraints in municipalities and provincial parks is a commitment under government’s Red Tape Reduction strategy and a change to make the lives of Albertans better.