Licensing

Information about private SELs

In Alberta, you need a special event licence (SEL) to sell or provide liquor at private events. These events include weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, celebration of life / funerals, bus trips and family reunions.

If liquor will be provided free to guests, you will need a private non-sale SEL licence. If liquor will be sold to guests, you will need a private resale SEL licence.

If your non-profit organization will be applying for a list of specific dates, you will need a private resale annual licence.

How to apply for a private SEL

You can apply for a private non-sale or private resale SEL licence using the AGLC Special Event Liquor Licence online application.

You can apply for a private resale annual licence using the Online Licensing Portal.

Information about public SELs

Public events include any event open to the public, that include (but are not limited to): festivals, fundraisers, rodeos, concerts, dinner theatres, comedy shows, liquor tasting events, sports tournaments, fashion shows, etc. These events require you to have a public special event licence (SEL).

Public SELs can be one of the following:

• Commercial SEL: for individuals or companies
• Community SEL: for non-profit groups or municipalities
• Auction: for the auction of liquor products within an auction house

How to apply for a public SEL

You can apply for a public SEL online using the Online Licensing Portal. Please note the type of public SEL you need before applying.

How do I find the class licence I need?

Class A - If you are a restaurant, bar or lounge

Class B - If you are a convention centre, recreational facility, sports stadium or theatre

Class C - If you are a club or institution, such as a hospital or travellers lounge

Class D - If you are a retail liquor store, delivery service or commercial caterer

Class E - If you are a distiller, vintner or brewer

Class F - If you produce beer, wine and / or cider at a ferment-on-premises facility

Agency - Choose this if you are a looking to become a liquor agent

Learn more about liquor licences

How do I apply for or renew online for a class A-F licence or liquor agency licence?

You can apply for or renew a Class A-F or liquor agent licences online using the Online Licensing Portal.

How do I become a liquor agency?

If you would like to import and market a manufacturer's or supplier's liquor products, you'll need to become a registered liquor agency.

To register, log into the Online Licensing Portal.

Learn more about becoming a liquor agency.

How do I apply for a retail cannabis store licence?

You can apply for a retail cannabis store licence using the Online Licensing Portal.

How do I apply for a cannabis representative registration licence?

You can apply for a cannabis representative registration licence using the Online Licensing Portal.

How do I register to become a Registered Gaming Worker?

Registered gaming worker applications will continue to be submitted by email, mail or delivery to AGLC offices. At a future date, AGLC will transition these application process to the new licensing portal.

I need a charitable gaming licence

Charitable gaming licence applications will continue to be submitted by email, mail or delivery to AGLC offices. At a future date, AGLC will transition these application process to the new licensing portal.