Alberta clamps down on happy hour drinking

EDMONTON, Alberta, July 4 (UPI) -- The Canadian province of Alberta has legislated a clamp-down on bar happy hours and cheap drinks to address binge drinking and brawling.

Beginning in August, the minimum a bar can charge for a bottle or can of beer is $2.75, while draft beer can be no cheaper $3.20 for a pint. Shots of liquor must be at least $2.75 each, and a glass of wine must be at least $1.75, the Calgary Herald reported.

The law also says happy hours must end by 8 p.m., and only two standard-size beverages can be sold to a patron after 1 a.m.

Solicitor General Fred Lindsay told the newspaper the law changes were a result of several years of task force studies, which also found increased violence during and after televised sporting events.

"There's concern with the rising violence in and around drinking establishments," Lindsay said. "Minimum drink prices is probably the best way to reduce intoxication and binge drinking."

The provinces of Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan already have minimum drink prices, the report said.

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