CANNABIS ACT RECOGNIZES ALBERTAS LIQUOR RETAILING SUCCESS

EDMONTON, AB (April 13, 2017): Today, Alberta Liquor Store Association President Ivonne
Martinez released the following statement in response to the federal governments tabling of the
Cannabis Act, new legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana:

We are pleased the federal government has followed the Task Force on Cannabis
Legalizations recommendation to allow the provinces to set their own policies for the
distribution and retailing of recreational marijuana. Ottawas recognition that provinces are best
positioned to make these decisions will no doubt be welcomed across the country.

Furthermore, were encouraged to see the government reject the Task Forces recommendation
to prohibit the co-location of marijuana and alcohol sales. The Task Forces recommendation
ignored the decades-long track record Albertas private liquor retailers have earned when it
comes to the responsible sale of controlled substances and were pleased Ottawa agrees.

Keeping marijuana products away from children will be paramount when the legislation
becomes law. Our members have been doing this with alcohol for over 20 years and would do
so with marijuana, should the provincial government choose to co-locate alcohol and marijuana
sales.

Now that the federal legislation is tabled, we look forward to demonstrating to the Alberta
government our members unique qualifications for ensuring safe and responsible marijuana
sales in Alberta.

About ALSA:
Since 1994, ALSA has grown to represent over 570 independent retail liquor stores from every
community across Alberta. Our diverse membership includes small, medium and larger-sized
businesses, some of which have multiple locations.

For more information, please contact:

Ivonne Martinez
President, Alberta Liquor Store Association
Ph: 780.977.7214