If you’re in the bar at two in the morning and haven’t downed enough to quench your thirst, you will still need to find another place to finish the job.

At least for now.

Yes, looks like the big public rollout of the much-anticipated provincial review of Alberta liquor laws isn’t happening anytime soon.

There is no date set for when it will begin. It’s on hold.

When the PCs called the shots many in the ruling party’s ranks were primed to see liquor law changes or at the very least take the debate to the people.

More than 16 months ago the PCs were talking up a look-see into how to give the booze laws a major makeover.

After bars opened in the early morning for a gold medal hockey game and anarchy was not unloosed upon the land, two PC cabinet ministers tweeted about a later last call.

The government said it would take this experience of peace over early morning wobbly pops into consideration as they developed their investigation into overhauling booze laws.

Then, before this spring’s election, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission was champing at the bit to kick off a what-do-you-think with you, me and the folks down the street, complete with a website and social media campaign.

One big topic was bar hours, particularly allowing later closing times to deal with patrons spilling into the streets all at once with not enough cabs to get them home and possible trouble waiting in the wings when they couldn’t get one.

Minimum drink prices, happy hour, and distilling of drinks in the bar were some of the items to explore.

The AGLC believed the results of changing the laws could be “extremely revolutionary.”

Then this thing happened. It’s called an election.

The NDP won with a solid majority worthy of being named after a sugary soda pop.

The party never pledged a review of the province’s liquor laws.

It wasn’t on their must-do list.

They thought other stuff was more revolutionary.

NDP budget boss Joe Ceci is also the minister responsible for overseeing the liquor and gaming trade.

Smilin’ Joe laughs.

“I’m in bed by 10 o’clock at night. I haven’t seen a closing of a bar in a very long time.” Ceci laughs some more.

“I’m amazed people are in the bar at that time.”

Ceci, a long-time member of Calgary city council, knows the argument for a later closing time pushed by some councillors in this city.

“I’m not sure I even fully know how much of council is behind that sort of approach,” says Ceci.

He doesn’t sound convinced.

There is no decision whether there will be a review.

He says it “may not happen.”

“It may not be the biggest thing on their agenda,” says Ceci, of the AGLC.

“I don’t recall this being at the top of it.” One thing is certain. If it’s not on the top of Joe’s agenda it’s not on the top of their agenda.

They live to serve.

“I think the online gaming stuff was pretty important to them,” adds Ceci.

And Thursday this columnist confirms the AGLC will present “very soon” a proposal to the province on government-run online gaming.

The AGLC believes a regulated site to gamble will be better for the gambler.

Right now, they estimate $120 million or more is spent every year by Albertans playing on online sites.

If the government gets in the business their cut of the dough could go to charities or the general provincial government pot or the Lottery Fund for community projects.

The discussion within the provincial government will be a whopper.

Certain NDP voices not been amused by the thought of governments getting into the online gaming world and, in their opinion, exploiting the vulnerable.

As for the booze law review, the AGLC will wait.

Ceci has plenty of fish to fry and faces a huge test this fall when he presents the first NDP budget.

By then, who knows how many people will need a drink.

Ric McIver, the PC’s interim leader, doesn’t mind Ceci waiting on the liquor law review but he hopes not for long.

“It would be nice if they could throw a bone to the hospitality industry because they’re hitting them over the head with the $15 an hour minimum wage.”

rick.bell@sunmedia.ca

On Twitter: @SUNRickBell