Central Alberta rodeos were exempt from the recently introduced COVID-19 measure requiring alcohol service to be stopped at 10 p.m.
On Friday, Alberta government announced restaurants, bars, nightclubs, pubs, cafés and events must end alcohol service at 10 p.m. – this is being done to slow down the spread of the virus.
But, special exemptions were made for at least four rodeos this past weekend, including the Ponoka Stampede, Benalto Fair and Stampede, and Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo.
“Exemptions are determined on a case by case basis for time-limited events, particularity larger scale and public events taking place this weekend that were disrupted by the new rules on short notice,” Alberta Health said in a statement.
“Selected once-a-year events have been granted a public interest exemption over the course of the pandemic; they are not new. Exemptions are granted due to the event’s importance to the local economy and community. Current exemptions are all for open-air events. Mask requirements continue to apply to any indoor component.”
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