Picking up a last-minute gift of booze or deciding to top up one’s holiday merriment has just been made easier.

Liquor stores and cannabis shops have been given the green light to do business on Christmas Day, the provincial regulator of those products announced Monday.

“Lifting the restrictions to allow these liquor and cannabis licensees to stay open on December 25 is another opportunity to reduce red tape and support licensees in making business decisions that best support their operational needs,” says a statement from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).

Opening on that day will be optional for retailers, though an AGLC spokeswoman said it’s impossible to know how many will use the opportunity.

But Heather Holmen said the move follows interest in the change shown by shop owners.

“We have heard from some retailers over the years that it would be desirable to have the option to operate on Christmas Day,” she said in an email.

One Calgary cannabis retailer welcomed the move, saying some in the business have been pushing the province to reduce red tape and provide them with more lee-way.

“It’s really nice to see they’re giving retailers a bit more control,” said Ashley Newman, owner of Queen of Bud and vice-chair of the Alberta Cannabis Council.

While she said some cannabis retailers will open their doors on Christmas Day, many — particularly independent so-called mom and pop shops — will likely decide to close for the day, due to the higher cost of holiday pay.

“A lot of the independents are really struggling right now and they wouldn’t want to take the risk,” said Newman.

Queen of Bud wouldn’t open on that day, to ensure staff have time with family, she said.

“There’s not enough money in the world to make that worthwhile,” said Newman.

There are about 1,500 liquor stores in Alberta, while the AGLC has granted licences to 373 cannabis outlets.

“Since the creation of Alberta’s privatized liquor model in 1993, the province’s retail liquor marketplace has evolved — providing Albertans with unparalleled selection, convenience and responsible customer service,” AGLC said in its Monday statement.