The days of drinking cheap alcohol in Alberta are officially gone. As of Aug. 1, bars and other watering holes will no longer be able to over serve their patrons. Alberta government have implemented new rules that are meant to curb dangerous over drinking. “These changes reflect this government’s intention to improve safety in and around licensed premises,” said Fred Lindsay, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. “They are not meant to interfere with responsible patrons – they are designed to limit the liquor consumption of those drinkers who don’t wish to set their own limits.” Most notably, the government has established a minimum drink price, eliminated cheap drinks after 8 p.m., and set a maximum drink order for last call. No longer can drinks be sold at any chosen price. Before, patrons could walk into many establisments and purchase a high ball drink for under $2, now the legislation will put a stop to cheap booze. Minimum drink prices will be $2.75 per oz. for spirits and liqueurs, $1.75 per 5 oz. glass of wine, $3.20 for a 20 oz. pint of draught beer, $2.75 for a 12 oz. bottle or can of beer, cider, or coolers in cans or bottles. Happy hours will also have to follow designated drink prices. Licensees may reduce the regular menu price of drinks, but drinks can not be sold for less than the regular menu price after 8 p.m. Even during happy hours, the beverages can not be sold for less than the government’s chosen minimum drink prices. Manager of the Falher Hotel Tammy Pollard says that many of the rules will only cause more trouble for bartenders and owners. “Thursday nights are very busy for us because of our power hour drink special from 10 to 11 p.m.,” says Pollard. “Now because of legislation, we will not be able to draw people in with the special.” The biggest shock to an avid bar-goer will be the maximum drink order rule. Both number and size of drinks sold or served to a patron after 1 a.m. will be limited to two servings per order. The serving restricts the order to either one ounce per highball or one bottle or can of beer or cooler. Interestingly, after 1 a.m. if a patron has more than 2 oz. of liquor in front of them, the bartender or server must take any extra liquor away. The patron can not have more than two drinks in their possession after 1 a.m. “With only two drinks allowed after 1 a.m., we will have people power drinking to get drunk before last call is done,” explains Pollard. “Seemingly all this legislation is doing is cutting the throats of small town bars who draw customers in by offering drink specials.” The government is standing by their word, and they are supported by many officials of the bar industry including vice-president of the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association Mike Shymka. “These changes have great potential to reduce the public order problems associated with binge drinking,” says Shymka. “Most of us would never guzzle a tray full of cheap highballs just before closing time, but many of us have shared a sidewalk with someone who has. These new changes should make closing times outside bars a lot more peaceful.” As explained by government communication employees, improving bar safety is part of Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to promote strong and vibrant communities and reduce crime. The Government of Alberta is committed to working together with other levels of government, community agencies, business, police, and all citizens to fight crime and to ensure Albertans feel safe in their communities. The attempt of the government is to reduce alcohol related crime.