Alberta Liquor Store License Application Requirements

Alberta liquor license application approval is dependant on fulfilling many requirements of Alberta Gaming Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC). In addition to liquor license application requirements, start-up liquor retailers must become familiar with the responsibilities of an Alberta liquor licensee and for Class D licensees, as described in the Liquor License Handbook and Retail Liquor Store Handbook, respectively.

Alberta Retail Liquor License Requirements Overview

All of the following Class D liquor license application requirements must be completed before a liquor license is issued.

Preliminary requirements

Preliminary requirements include:

• Non-refundable application fee
• Class D liquor license application package
• Criminal record check obtained for all directors, shareholders and the proposed manager
• Completed Particulars of Individual Form (form #5013) of all directors, shareholders and the proposed manager
• Floor plan of premises
• Site plan of premises

If the preliminary liquor license application requirements are met, the application is listed on the AGLC “Pending Liquor License Applications” page for 7 days. The public must submit their objections in writing to the AGLC within that time period.

Municipalities may object to the license being issued, due to the number of active licenses already in the community, the proposed location, distance to other licensed establishments, competition concerns, property value concerns, and social or moral objections regarding the sale of liquor.

Finalization requirements

If there are no objections, the following must be completed or submitted to finalize the application:

• Pay license fees
• Complete Particulars of Incorporation of Company Form (form #5231) including Shareholders if applicable
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Acknowledgement and Undertaking of liquor manufacturer or supplier inducements (form #5203)
• An executed copy (signed legal agreement) of lease agreement or title certificate in the applicant’s name
• Municipal business license or written approval from the municipality in which your store will operate

A final inspection will be conducted by an AGLC inspector once all documents are approved and fees are paid. Start-up liquor retailers may want to consider working with an experienced Alberta liquor license consultant who can help ensure that all application requirements are met and all documents are submitted. Failure to complete just one preliminary or finalization requirement can stall your liquor license application.

Once your liquor store is open, you have a responsibility to run your operation in a socially responsible manner as specified by the Alberta Liquor Licensee Handbook. Your employees and managers must also take and pass ProServe Liquor Staff Training.

Other Alberta Liquor License Resources for Retail Liquor Stores

• Class D License Application for Retail Liquor Stores
• Alberta Retail Liquor Store Handbook
• Alberta Liquor Licensee Handbook (for all licensees):
• AGLC Forms & Documents (search for various forms needed for Alberta liquor license applications)

If your company has a liquor business in BC and wants to open a liquor business in Alberta, here is a comparative table of BC and Alberta liquor licenses for your reference.

Get Help with Your Alberta Liquor License Application

If you need Alberta liquor license application support, chat with a liquor consultant at Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Advisors – one of the most trusted liquor business consultants in Canada. We “thrive” on the red tape involved in liquor licensing. We make the application process easy by doing the heavy lifting for you so you can concentrate on your business.