Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has successfully reduced regulatory red tape by over 51 per cent, making it easier and cheaper for liquor, cannabis and gaming industries to do business in Alberta. AGLC estimates that the reduction initiatives have resulted in over $89.2 million in cost savings and revenue generation for Alberta’s gaming, cannabis and liquor industry, since 2019.
"This milestone is a testament to really listening to our industry partners and working with them to focus on innovation, growth and contributing to the Alberta economy. I’m extremely proud of all the hard work that has gone into making it easier for businesses to thrive while also ensuring that Albertans continue to enjoy access to responsible, regulated gaming, liquor and cannabis."
Kandice Machado, CEO, AGLC
“This achievement highlights Alberta’s position as a national leader in reducing red tape and fostering a business-friendly environment. By cutting unnecessary regulatory burdens, we’re empowering industries to grow, innovate, and contribute to Alberta’s economy. This is just one example of our government’s commitment to supporting businesses, creating jobs, and ensuring Alberta remains a competitive and thriving place to do business.”
Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
The reduction in unnecessary or redundant AGLC regulatory requirements has streamlined processes, reduced costs, and enhanced the overall experience for businesses and consumers.
“Restaurants Canada and Alberta’s 11,500 foodservice businesses would like to thank AGLC for their leadership and ongoing commitment to red tape reduction. Regulatory reform isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most efficient and low-cost ways for government to reduce costs for businesses and free up their time so they can focus on growth and innovation.”
Mark von Schellwitz, VP, Western Canada, Restaurants Canada
Some key changes that are benefiting the gaming, liquor and cannabis industries include:
- Expanding online raffle opportunities to include sales to adults outside of the entertainment venue which has resulted in an estimated $42 million in additional revenue for charities.
- Removing nearly 2,500 pieces of policy for casinos, including relaxing rules on table games, which provided an estimated $2.4 million in cost savings for licensees.
- Making it easier for liquor licensees to increase revenue through the sale of alcohol with delivery and takeout and reduce costs through on-site storage of liquor.
- Reducing listing fees for cannabis, helping the industry save an estimated $4 million.
A list of AGLC's modernization and red tape reduction efforts is available at: AGLC policy modernization
Quick facts
- AGLC has reduced red tape by 51 per cent since the inception of the Government of Alberta's Red Tape Reduction Initiative. This amounts to 12,654 pieces of red tape.
- A total of 3,963 forms were reviewed, simplified, updated or removed to lower the amount of time that Albertans and industry spend addressing AGLC requirements.
- AGLC reached its initial commitment to reduce red tape by 33 per cent in February 2022, almost two years ahead of the target set out by the Alberta government.
- The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) recognized the Alberta government and AGLC with a Golden Scissor award in 2021 for tackling red tape surrounding alcohol sales to support businesses during the pandemic.
Related information
Reducing red tape means more opportunity for charitable groups (May 2022)
Cheers to cutting red tape (2021)
Media inquiries
media@aglc.ca
587-596-5351