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Edmonton city councillors approved a plan Tuesday to allow more liquor stores in large suburban shopping districts.

It will go to public hearing later this year for a final decision. The changes would still require liquor stores to be 500 metres apart, unless separated by a major road, but could allow several new stores in or around large commercial parcels such as West Edmonton Mall and large suburban retail centres.

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Representatives of the Alberta Liquor Store Association said the changes would allow a doubling of liquor stores in the city, leading to higher rates of domestic violence and other social ills.

“That might be a bit alarmist,” said Mayor Don Iveson, saying these new rules simply recognize that older and newer areas of the city have been built and designed differently.

City administration said the proposed changes will only affect 20 sites in established areas. The rest will be in new and developing neighbourhoods. No changes will occur within Edmonton’s mature neighbourhoods. The changes will not lead to a doubling of the existing 300 stores, city staff said.