The Public Safety Compliance Team (PSCT) manages and provides support for the safety and regulatory standards of businesses that sell alcohol for on-site consumption, such as bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
The team consists of 2 Municipal Enforcement Officers, Edmonton Police, Fire Rescue Services, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Alberta Health Services, and Occupational Health and Safety personnel, all of which license, regulate and enforce these types of businesses.
The hospitality industry in Edmonton is important to Edmonton’s economy, cultural vibrancy and overall liveliness. PSCT is there to ensure the laws and regulations are followed and everyone enjoys Edmonton’s nightlife as safely as possible.
Role and Functions of the Public Safety Compliance Team
- Educating businesses on safety and regulations through meetings and visits
- Addressing community concerns about establishments like restaurants, bars and nightclubs
- Conducting unannounced and follow-up visits to ensure compliance with legislation, regulations and safety standards
- Possible issuing fines or sanctions for non-compliance
- Recommending license operating conditions or venue closure for continued non-compliance
Bylaw Complaints Reporting Process
The Public Safety Compliance Team reports non-compliance through 311. A file is then created and an investigation opened.
A warning notice for the infraction, with directions to fix the problem, may be issued or a bylaw ticket with a fine amount for payment.
All businesses operating in the City of Edmonton require a valid business licence. Licences need to be current and accurate. Any changes to the licence must be submitted to the city in writing or via the online portal.
Changes that need to be reported include:
- Operational plans
- Operational changes
- Ownership changes
- Management changes
- Address changes
- Name changes
- Business renovations
Enforcement
The Operational Plans submitted to the City of Edmonton become conditions of the business license. It is expected that the operational procedures committed to in these plans will be implemented and followed at all times.
- Any business operating without a valid business licence is subject to fines
- Any contravention of any condition on a license, of approved operational plans or of any contraventions listed in the Business Licence Bylaw 20002 is subject to fines ranging from $250-$10,000
Business Licence Concerns
If you have a concern about a business operating without a valid licence:
- Discuss the concern with the business owner
- Record the address of the violation and a description of the problem if you can't resolve it directly with the business owner
- Call 311 and provide your name, address, phone number and the details of your concern in case your testimony is required in court
Partner Agencies and Business Owners Responsibilities
As a business or property owner, understand your responsibilities and learn about the skills and expertise of our agency partners.
Municipal Enforcement Officers
City of Edmonton Municipal Enforcement Officers:
- Review and approve Operational Plans for new licence applications and licence renewals for businesses in the hospitality industry
- Ensure that business licenses are current and accurate
- Provide education and inspection services pursuant to a variety of municipal bylaws, such as smoking, noise and waste management
- Respond to citizen and community concerns while working with business owners towards compliance
Contact us: 311 or email: PSCTcoordinator@edmonton.ca.
Edmonton Police Service (EPS)
The Edmonton Police Service provides a dedicated EPS member to coordinate the PSCT team, review business applications and police information checks, educate the hospitality industry on police liaison, offer Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design evaluations and address community complaints.
Contact us: For non-emergency assistance from police, call 780-423-4567.
For all life-threatening situations and crimes in progress, dial 911.
Compliance Requirements for Business Owners
As part of the Agent Status program, business owners give authority to EPS members to act as "agents" for the property pursuant to the Trespass to Premises Act. This allows the police to issue and enforce bans against persons and insulates the property owner. Visit the nearest EPS Station to complete the registration and receive the sticker.
Information about prohibited weapons can be found under part III, section 84 of the Criminal Code of Canada. Prohibited weapons must be turned over to the police. It is recommended that ownership consult with EPS for proper procedures for weapons handling issues.
It is recommended that security personnel are trained in a Use of Force/Necessary Force policy.
- Ensure that security footage is available to EPS, Peace Officers and the Public Safety Compliance Team upon request
- Surveillance equipment and security cameras are not allowed to be placed in staff change rooms or bathrooms as per federal privacy laws
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) educates business owners on fire codes and safety acts, monitors premises for compliance, ensures emergency exits are unobstructed, confirms proper occupancy and fire safety plan familiarity and verifies posted occupant loads.
Contact us: fireprevention@edmonton.ca or 780-496-3628.
Compliance Requirements for Business Owners
- If an occupant load is required to be posted, it shall be posted according to National Fire Code - Alberta Edition (NFC-AE) in a conspicuous location near the entrance to the room or floor area to which it applies
- The maximum permissible occupant load shall not be exceeded. This number includes staff
- Access to exits, including corridors, stairways, and aisles, shall be kept clear of storage or other obstructions
- An exit door should not be bolted, barred or locked. All door release hardware, latches and locks should be maintained in good working condition at all times
- A door in an access-to-exit should be readily openable when traveling to an exit without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door-opening mechanism
- Exit signs should be visible on approach to the exit and continuously illuminated
- Exit doors and discharge areas shall be kept unobstructed
- Storage of any kind, including dangerous goods, shall not be in or obstruct an exit or access-to-exits
- Fire Department vehicles should have direct access to at least one face of the building
- Signs should be posted prohibiting parking in an emergency access lane
- Should be kept clear of storage or other obstructions
- Should have doors that open and close properly
- Should not be used as patron holding areas
Designated supervisory staff shall be trained on the Fire Safety Plan and be able to execute the plan in the event of an emergency:
- Sounding the fire alarm
- Notifying the Fire Department
- Instructing occupants on what to do when the Fire Alarm sounds
- Evacuating occupants, including special provisions for persons requiring assistance
- Confining, controlling and extinguishing the fire
- Fire alarms should be fully functional at all times
- There should be unobstructed access to hydrants and fire department connections
Other life safety items could be identified at the time of the inspection. These are operational items and do not constitute a complete inspection of the premises.
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) inspects licensed premises for compliance with relevant acts, regulations and policies, and educates licensees and staff on legislation. They also promote responsible liquor and cannabis service.
Contact us: 1-800-272-8876.
Compliance Requirements for Business Owners
For liquor and cannabis providers, being responsible means not only complying with legislation but ensuring the highest standards of safety and service meet and exceed the needs of the public. This includes providing policies, regulations, programs and tools needed to educate and raise awareness for all Albertans on the responsible use of liquor and cannabis.
Contact AGLC by phone at 1-800-272-8876 or online for:
- General information
- A liquor licence
- Smart Training portal for staff training programs
Best Bar None is a voluntary accreditation program run by AGLC, recognizing excellence in Alberta’s nightlife.
Applicant bars follow a checklist covering a wide range of issues that well-managed premises should be aware of and address. The accreditation process includes an evaluation of written policy, staff training, a physical assessment of the room and an interview by trained assessors.
For more information, visit Best Bar None.
Alberta Health Services
Alberta Health Services inspects food establishments and public premises for compliance with the Alberta Public Health Act and Food Regulation, educating operators on safe food handling, verifying permits and responding to public health complaints.
Contact us: HealthLink Alberta, call 811
Compliance Requirements for Business Owners
Visit Alberta Health Services for
- Food handling permit application
- Approval of new or renovated food facilities
- Starting a food business in Edmonton and the surrounding areas
- Blood and body fluid spills
- Hand hygiene
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety
The Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code outlines the minimum health and safety legislative standards in Alberta workplaces. Workers and employers have a shared responsibility to comply with health and safety legislation. The legislation establishes minimum standards for safe and healthy Alberta workplaces.
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety is responsible for enforcing Occupational Health and Safety laws through inspections, investigations and prosecutions.
Visit Alberta Occupational Health and Safety for more information or contact the Occupational Health and Safety Contact Centre for Edmonton and the surrounding areas at 780-415-8690.
Who to Contact for Additional Assistance
| Type of Issue/Agency | Telephone |
|---|---|
| All questions or complaints, including street parking issues (blocked cars) | 311 |
| Natural Gas Leaks | 1-800-511-3447 or 780-420-5585 (Atco Gas Emergencies) |
| Power/Water/Drainage Emergencies | 780-412-4500 (EPCOR) |
| Mental Health Crisis | 211, press 3 |