Modernized liquor laws come to Manitoba

WINNIPEG – Manitoba’s liquor laws are getting revamped.

Starting April 1, the new laws will come into effect, the first big overhaul in 60 years.

One of the changes will be where you can enjoy a beverage. For the first time, drinks will be available at licensed hair and beauty salons and spas.

“A lot of salons serve a glass of wine after work when guests come in but now we can just make it legal,” said James Barclay, owner of James Barclay Salon and Spa.

It won’t only be something different for patrons, but will also help business.

“Especially on Saturday’s and Sunday’s people like to come in the afternoon and have a bottle of bubbly, have some services, and then go out for supper,” said Barclay.

Enjoying a drink at a restaurant will also change because you’ll be able to order liquor without food in dining rooms.

“A lot easier now, now we can seat them wherever we want to,” said Darryl Medlicott, manager at Santa Lucia Pizza.

Before Santa Lucia on St. Mary’s Road had to keep their dining room separate from the lounge, but come April 1 they’ll only need one liquor license and patrons can move freely between areas.

If a drink at home is more your style, liquor vendors hours will also be changing.

“Now retail establishments including liquor marts, specialty wine stores and beer vendors will be able to open from 8 p.m. until midnight on a daily basis,” said Elizabeth Stephenson of the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba.

All of these changes have been a long time coming.

“The last time the liquor act was changed was in 1956, that was before colour TV, that was even before Sputnik,” said Dave Chomiak, minister responsible for the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba.

Special events, like the men’s gold medal hockey game that saw bars open before the sun came up will also become more common with the next exception taking place from March 24-30 for the Juno Awards, when bars can serve liquor until 3 a.m.