May long campers are rejoicing as the Provincial UCP Government has passed regulations that relax liquor bans in Alberta Provincial Parks.

Kenney says this is timely, as these regulations will be in effect this May Long Weekend.

"This is so timely, as we've been heading into a long weekend in Alberta. That means many people will be heading into our beautiful provincial parks to go camping and spend time outdoors with friends and family."

Currently there are eight Alberta Parks Campgrounds that still hold the liquor ban.  Aspen Beach, Miquelon Lake, Garner Lake, Dillberry Lake, Pigeon Lake, Whitney Lakes, Jarvis Bay and Wabamun provincial parks.

There is no ban in place in Alberta Parks’ other provincial campgrounds, but Kenney says his government has committed to making it easier for people to consume responsibly for those still remaining.

"We're relaxing liquor constraints in municipalities and provincial parks in Alberta, allowing liquor consumption in Provincial Parks starting this long weekend."

The temporary liquor ban was implemented back in 2004 in an effort to limit excessive partying, underage drinking and deter criminal activity during May Long weekend.

Kenney says those limitations will be relaxed immediately.

"Today is the beginning of the end of the war on fun. With regulations that we are announcing to make it easier for people to responsibly consume alcohol in provincial parks and at festivals across Alberta." He adds, "People will be able to grab a beer and walk around a summer festival in this province without fear of being arrested, ticketed or fined. If they can do this in almost every country in Europe, I think we can treat Albertan's as responsible grown-ups as well."

Some people feel that the temporary liquor ban has been effective in providing more enjoyable experiences for campground users, stating it made them feel safer as well.

 

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