Pre-mixed cocktail delivery, virtual liquor tastings made possible under new AGLC rules

Liquor stores are now free to offer virtual tastings and restaurants can deliver pre-mixed in-house cocktails thanks to an update to Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis policies.

The changes are an effort to create opportunities for businesses that are hampered by COVID-19 public health measures, the AGLC said in a press release on Monday.

It's also a way of cutting red tape and modernizing its Liquor Licensee Handbook, the release said.

"These changes reflect AGLC's commitment to providing Albertans with unique product choices while easing regulatory burden for businesses," said Dave Berry, vice-president of regulatory services for the agency.

"While work on these updates began prior to COVID-19, AGLC has made it a top priority to support liquor licensees during the pandemic — and beyond. These updates will stay in place after the pandemic as we continue to work closely with industry to deliver unique offerings to Albertans in a safe and socially responsible way."

'Here's an opportunity for us'

Under the AGLC's previous rules, businesses could sell the components of their cocktails for customers to make themselves, but were not able to make the cocktail and sell it in a container.

With the new rules, liquor-licensed restaurants, bars and lounges can sell pre-mixed drinks listed on their menus for off-site consumption.

The drinks must be made to order, sealed in a tamper-proof container that is clearly labelled, and can be sold through takeout or delivery — with or without the purchase of food, the AGLC said.

In-store liquor tastings, meanwhile, came to a halt when the pandemic hit, and will now be able to continue off the premises in time for the holidays.

And it's good news for a lot of store owners, the president of the Alberta Liquor Store Association, Ivonne Martinez, told CBC News.

"Especially around Christmastime, people are thinking of buying perhaps high-end alcohol content products like scotch. And, of course, if you're going to drop $100 on a bottle, you want to make sure you like it and you're able to compare it to others," Martinez said.

"So here's an opportunity for us to do the same thing that we would do in-store. But we can just get the samples to them. They can then accurately get it all set up. And when we can do a virtual tasting, walking them through the products and they get to decide which one they like best."

Martinez recommended contacting different liquor stores in the city to see if they would be taking part in virtual tastings, which will likely involve delivery or pickup of samples.