Premier Jason Kenney has given an apology after photos of a dinner on the rooftop of the Sky Palace went viral.

The photos showed Kenney and some of his cabinet ministers meeting over dinner on the same day that stage one of the province's reopening plan went into effect.

Last week, Kenney told the legislature that he considered the meeting an outdoor social gathering and had less than 10 people. He was asked to apologize but believed he did nothing wrong.

However, on Monday, he appeared to change course and regretted the decision.

"It is clear that some of us were not distanced the whole night and I have to take responsibility for that. We have to set a higher example, a higher threshold of conduct and so I want to sincerely apologize to my colleagues and to Albertans for letting you down."

Kenney has faced sharp criticism for the dinner, which many, including Airdrie-East MLA Angela Pitt, viewed as an outdoor patio. The rules for restaurant patios allow for only four people to a table, all from the same household.

Last Friday, Pitt posted to social media calling out the dinner event, asking for fairness in all restrictions as she believed small businesses and restaurants were being unfairly targeted.

The Opposition NDP did not take too kindly to the apology, calling it false.

In a Twitter post, leader Rachel Notley said Kenney knew he did wrong when he hosted the dinner and had ample opportunity to apologize in the past week but refused.

He’s not sorry that he mocked this House and lied to the people inside of it.

He’s only sorry that Albertans are having none of it.

Well Premier, we’re sorry that’s what’s keeping you up at night. 2/3 #ableg #abhealth

— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) June 7, 2021

When asked why he did not offer an apology in the past week, he said at that time, Kenney believed he had followed the rules.

"I acknowledge that the social distancing rule was not perfectly followed throughout the evening for which I accept responsibility."

Kenney admitted he held the dinner knowing that he and his UCP colleagues would be in public view and believed it was a positive way to show he would be following the rules on outdoor social gatherings.