Liquor ads could bring Edmonton Transit $1M

City transit buses and LRT trains could soon be carrying billboards advertising beer and liquor.

Council will consider a report next Wednesday recommending the city lifts its ban on alcohol advertising.

Allowing ads on buses, LRT stations and trains, transit benches and shelters could bring in an extra $1 million a year, according to the report.

The ads would still be subject to strict provincial rules against targeting minors, encouraging binge drinking, or drinking-and-driving.

Edmonton Transit would promote messages of responsible drinking and use of public transportation when drinking, the report said.

Edmonton banned liquor and cigarette ads in 1982 — the only city in Canada to ever do so.