Legislation & Policy

The operation of licensed premises in the City of Edmonton is regulated by federal, provincial and municipal legislation. Information presented below provides highlights only. The legislation in its entirety can be located by clicking the links provided.

Federal

Provincial

Municipal

Federal

Criminal Code of Canada
Contains and defines Canadian Criminal Law.

Provincial

Gaming and Liquor Act  &  Gaming and Liquor Regulation
Provincial legislation which ensures that gaming and liquor activities in Alberta are conducted with integrity, social responsibility, and maximize long-term economic benefits for Albertans.

Tobacco Tax Act
The Tobacco Tax Act, regulated by the Alberta Ministry of Finance, helps inform consumers and retailers of the tax and license requirements involved in the sale and purchase of tobacco and tobacco products.

Tobacco Reduction Act
The Tobacco Reduction Act supports the government’s commitment to improve the wellness of Albertans. The legislation is an important component of the Alberta Tobacco Reduction Strategy, which aims to reduce disease, disability and death related to tobacco use.

Municipal

Community Standards Bylaw
The bylaw’s purpose is to “regulate the conduct and activities of people on privately owned property and immediately adjacent areas in order to promote the safe, enjoyable and reasonable use of such property for the benefit of all citizens of the City.”

Sections of note are Highway Occupation (Part II, sections 4 and 5), Land (section 6) and Prohibited Noise (section 14).

Public Places Bylaw
This bylaw regulates activity pertaining to public places to ensure public safety and maintain a clean and orderly community. Covered in this bylaw (but not limited to), are regulations pertaining to: smoking, fighting, urinating/defecating, dangerous actions, weapons (weapons that are capable of firing projectiles), bullying, and handbills.

Business License Bylaw 
A bylaw that regulates and controls businesses, business practices/activities and persons engaged in business within the City of Edmonton through a system of licences, permits and approvals.

It is important to note that every service you offer to the general public may require a different license category. Defined categories can be found in the Business Licence Bylaw under schedule “A”.

Traffic Bylaw
The purpose of the Traffic Bylaw is to regulate the use of highways under the direction, control and management of the City and to regulate the parking of vehicles on such highways as well as on privately owned property.

Regulations are intended to control activities or actions which may be deemed to be a concern for public safety, or create conditions which are detrimental to the community well being.  This bylaw encompasses a wide spectrum of terms and conditions, related to highways, sidewalks and properties within the city of Edmonton.

Waste Management Bylaw
A bylaw regulating and controlling the collection, storage and disposal of solid waste in the City of Edmonton. This bylaw provides for the maintenance of a clean, safe, and efficient system for the collection, removal and disposal of waste in the City of Edmonton in the interest of ensuring the safety, health and welfare of its inhabitants.

Included in this bylaw are provisions to ensure responsible ownership and maintenance of their waste and recycle bins.

Zoning Bylaw
Edmonton’s Zoning Bylaw regulates development and land usage of the properties within our municipality.  It places regulations, schedules, and site-specific development control provisions to ensure properties comply and are compatible with the intended uses outlined in the bylaw and any community standards that are in place. It should be explicitly noted that definitions under the zoning bylaw are not congruent with the Business License Bylaw. Therefore, when looking into changing a use of a business or nightclub, you must ensure the use is compliant with both bylaws.

Good Neighbour Obligations for Alcohol Sales
This document outlines Responsible Hospitality Edmonton’s expectations with regards to being a good neighbour within your community.