Alberta's alcohol and cannabis agency has launched a 'dry day' push due to concerns over mental health and habits amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Given the province-wide closure of gaming venues... AGLC has made the difficult decision to temporarily lay off 265 staff."

Changes to provincial liquor regulations that allow Alberta bars and restaurants to sell alcohol through takeout or delivery for customers to drink off-site are set to remain in place after COVID-19 restrictions lift.

The owner of a pub in northwest Calgary was issued a health notice Monday, ordering him to close his business after officials found the pub had been serving customers despite public health orders to close dine-in services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis says it hasn't seen much of a change in wholesale liquor or cannabis orders compared to previous years despite the new coronavirus pandemic.

The future of cannabis consumption lounges or cafes in Edmonton will rely on regulations by higher levels of government, according to a report to be discussed by a city committee next week.

Cannabis vape products will be available for purchase in Alberta within the next few weeks.

Troubled cannabis company CannTrust Holdings Inc. is temporarily cutting as many as 140 people - roughly one quarter of its workforce.

CannTrust Holdings Inc. says it will destroy $77 million worth of pot plants and inventory as part of its efforts to comply with federal regulations.

About $1.3 million worth of CannTrust products will be returned by the AGLC after Health Canada suspended the company's licences to produce and sell pot.