On Friday November 27th the Alberta Government decided to turn off VLT's for all businesses with less than 15 VLT's. In doing so they are allowing casinos and bars with more than 15 to operate and generate income off of them. Most of the bars that have had their VLT's shut down are small businesses who rely on the income generated from them to pay for bills, employee wages, rent etc. These businesses have also complied by the mandated Covid protocols put forth by Alberta Health Services and AGLC. This includes paying a big sum of money to build plexiglass /other types of structures in between each VLT machine. If anything the smaller businesses with less VLT's are also less populated/get cleaned more regularly than larger businesses with more VLT's. Therefore, if anything, the casinos/larger bars should have their VLT's shut down and not the other way around. 

Because of this a lot of small businesses are in jeopardy of shutting down their doors. Businesses will lose thousands of dollars in profits as well as revenue generated by the sales of food/beverages by VLT playing customers. The Alberta Government has not explained why it's ok/safe for casinos and bars with more than 15 VLT's to continue to operate, while the ones with less than 15 to be turned off.

Double Standards are clearly being shown here as the government is illogically favoring the bigger businesses as they bring in more revenue for the government. For those that don't know the government takes 85% of VLT revenue leaving the businesses with 15%. This number alone should further prove their greed and unfair practices. 

By signing this petition I am looking to get the Alberta Government to overturn their decision. As well as spreading awareness to the people on current policies aimed at hurting small business in Alberta