Should Saskatchewan convenience stores be able to sell alcohol

Regina – Saskatchewan stores are hoping to make it more convenient for residents to buy wine or beer in the province.

The Western Convenience Stores Association (WCSA) recently submitted a proposal for such licensing to the province’s liquor policy review.

President of the WCSA, Andrew Klukas said that the modernization of liquor retailing in Saskatchewan is long overdue.

“Our proposal would improve consumer choice and convenience while maintaining public revenue and ensuring public safety.” he explained.

Klukas added that there are already 190 franchise stores in smaller communities in Saskatchewan already serving as government liquor stores.

“It’s about time,” he told the media. “I think someday people are going to look back and ask that question, ‘why’d it take so long?’”

The WCSA said convenience stores already show compliance when selling things like tobacco and fireworks and that the licensing of alcohol would include restrictions on pricing, hours of sale, and promotional activities.

Klukas said stores comply with compensation standards and already have practices in place to reduce the risk of theft and other crimes.

He points to places like Quebec, areas in the U.S and Europe have successful models of liquor retail.

“It’s an evolution that we’re proposing, not a revolution.  Really an extension of what’s been going on for many years in Saskatchewan,” he explained.  “We’d like to see that simply extended to allow a level playing field for retailers, convenience stores, and others who comply with the province’s standards.”

You can view the WCSA’s full submission to the province’s liquor review here.