Bottoms up. Restaurants can serve alcohol earlier during the Calgary Stampede, again

Calgary hospitality businesses will be able servealcohol earlier in the day during the Calgary Stampede again this year.

Throughout the duration of the event, fromJuly 5 to 14, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) said bars, restaurants and lounges can serve alcohol starting at 8 a.m. The blanket approval applies to Class A, B and C licence holders in the city.

Private events withspecial approval can serve alcohol starting at 6:30 a.m. during the Stampede,the AGLCsaid in a statement. On July 5, businesses along the Stampede Parade route can serve alcohol beginning at 7 a.m.

The expanded hours firststarted in 2014 as a pilot project. Prior to 2014, the AGLC granted permits for early liquor service for special events on a case-by-case basis.

Normal serving hours for alcoholic beverages are from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. The AGLC saidas part of the arrangement, businesses still have to end liquor service at 2 a.m. and"all other rules guiding the service remain in effect."

Mark von Schellwitz, vice-president of the advocacy groupRestaurants Canada for western Canada, saidthe policy-relaxation is welcome for the industry during the opportune time of Calgary Stampede.

"Whether we have pancake breakfasts or any other sort of event, this just gives them the flexibility [to serve alcohol]," said von Schellwitz.

"This kind of flexibility and liquor policy is what contributes to making the Calgary Stampede the greatest show on earthanda great boonfor the hospitality industry in Calgary."

He added that it helps businesses meetthe demands of the rush of visitors coming into Calgary for the 10-day event.

Last year's Stampede was the second most attendedin history with over 1.3 million visitors, coming in just behind the 2012 Stampede.