REGINA – Saskatchewan is bringing in new legislation to allow 40 government-owned liquor stores to be sold and 12 new private stores created.
Bill 1, the Removing SLGA from The Crown Corporations Public Ownership Amendment Act, will remove the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) from the list Crown Corporations subject to the original act.
In November, the Saskatchewan Party government said it was planning for 52 more private liquor stores as well as changes to wholesale pricing and regulations for retailers if re-elected.
READ MORE: Sask. Party announces more private liquor stores, pricing fairness
At the time, the government said the new private retail model would aim to create a level playing field for liquor retailers as all retailers, include off-sale outlets, would be treated the same for hours of operation, product selection and purchasing at wholesale prices.
Another change outlined in 2015 was allowing commercial permit holders like restaurants, sports facilities and convention centres to purchase products from any liquor retailer.
Under the current requirements, those businesses can only purchase from SLGA liquor stores and franchises.
“This amendment to the legislation will allow government to implement a competitive system that is both fair to retailers and beneficial to consumers while ensuring relative neutrality for the province,” Crown Investments Corporation Minister Don McMorris said in a statement Tuesday.