The City of Calgary has amended the Business Licence Bylaw (32M98) to align with provincial cannabis regulations, allowing licensed retailers to sell cannabis at all-ages events, provided all sales and consumption take place in designated areas where minors are strictly prohibited.
“Calgary is committed to clear regulations that promote public safety,” says Melanie Bishoff, manager of Business Experience at The City of Calgary. “Aligning with provincial regulations helps reduce confusion and gives businesses a more reliable framework to operate within.”
This amendment reflects recent updates to AGLC’s Retail Cannabis Store Handbook, which began allowing cannabis sales at all-ages entertainment events in July 2025. It builds on Council’s earlier decision in May to permit cannabis sales at adult-only (18+) events.
“This approach provides clarity for businesses and reinforces public confidence in the safe, responsible regulation of cannabis across Alberta,” says Bishoff.
Key highlights of the bylaw amendment:
- Licensed cannabis retailers may now sell cannabis at all-ages events but only within clearly defined areas where minors are not permitted.
- Retailers must apply to AGLC for a temporary licence extension and comply with all existing provincial regulations regarding public safety and security.
- Cannabis sales and consumption areas must be clearly marked and strictly separated. Under the Cannabis Consumption Bylaw, cannabis products cannot be sold or sampled within the designated consumption area.
- The amendment supports Calgary’s Eventful City Strategy, positioning Calgary as a forward-thinking, business-friendly destination while upholding protections for public health and youth access.
Calgary has maintained a structured approach to cannabis regulation since federal legalization in 2018. As the AGLC expands opportunities for temporary cannabis sales at events, this bylaw update ensures Calgary-based businesses can participate, with oversight and enforcement in place to keep consumption controlled and separate from public areas.
For more information on cannabis retail licensing or how to apply for a temporary sales extension, visit Calgary.ca/cannabisstore.
