Important news on registering alcohol containers

As of February 22, 2024, AGLC will no longer register alcohol containers with the BCMB on behalf of the liquor agencies. We are currently experiencing system issues that may potentially delay the alcohol container registration process. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are actively working to resolve the issue. Learn More

Glossary of AGLC terms

New liquor manufacturers in Alberta are faced with a lot of new terminology. Learn what each term means and how it applies to you.

Don't see a term below?

Send your questions and suggestions to LiquorServices@aglc.ca.

Agency

A corporation or person who represents a liquor supplier. Agencies import and market the supplier's liquor. Newly-licensed Class E manufacturers are automatically set up with AGLC as both a "Supplier" and an "Agency."

Codes and numbers

Liquor manufacturers have different codes and numbers to keep track of. You use specific codes or numbers for different reports and tasks. AGLC will provide you with all your codes and numbers when you are licensed.

Name Description Used for
Agency/Payee number A six-digit number usually starting with a 3 Banking forms, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form, registering products, checking your setup status online
File/Manufacturer prefix An abbreviated form of your business name (two letters) Sales Transaction File
Licence/Licensee number A six-digit number usually starting with a 7 Invoices, Sales Transaction File, bank deposits, and selling your products to liquor stores
Outlet number A four-digit number, which is your warehouse number with a 5 added at the beginning of the number Bank deposits
Payment code A two-digit or three-digit number assigned by the AGLC Invoices
Product code A six-digit number assigned to each product you register in the Liquor Agency Portal (LAP) Invoices, Sales Transaction File, Connect Logistics
Warehouse number Warehouse number Warehouse number

Excise duty

Money paid to the federal government for the sales of liquor products in Canada. You can find the current excise duty rates on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.

Invoice price

The amount you will be paid for your product. This price should cover the costs of production and Connect Logistics Services warehousing costs (if applicable), plus your profit. For more details on pricing, see Price your products. See also Wholesale price.

Licensee

A person, group, or business holding any type of liquor licence. Licensees may be manufacturers, bars, restaurants, liquor stores, or special event organizers.

Manufacturer

A person who operates an establishment for making liquor in Alberta. Manufacturers in Alberta need a Class E liquor licence before they can start producing.

Neutral Grain Spirits (NGS)

An industrial liquor product used as a base to create different flavours of liquor products. Blending NGS with a flavouring agent is not considered manufacturing in Alberta. Class E manufacturers must use raw materials (such as grain or juice) to produce their liquor products.

Supplier

Someone who makes or distributes liquor. Class E manufacturers are automatically set up with AGLC as both a "Supplier" and an "Agency."

Wholesale price

The price that licensees will pay for your product. This is the invoice price plus:

  • recycling fee
  • excise duty (if applicable)
  • provincial markup
  • GST
  • container deposit

AGLC collects this amount and pays you the invoice price for your sales. For more details on pricing, see Price your products.