Interested parties in Regina and Saskatoon can now submit applications for retail liquor store permits under the province’s plan to increase the privatization of liquor retailing.
“This is a big first step as we transition to an expanded private retail liquor system,” Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Don McMorris said.
“Today’s announcement covers the first of 50 retail opportunities available in communities throughout Saskatchewan.”
READ MORE: Saskatchewan introduces bill to privatize liquor stores
Applications can be submitted up until Aug. 8 for two retail opportunities in Regina and three in Saskatoon.
The applications will go through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The details of this process can be found at sasktenders.ca.
Top candidates will take part in phase two of the application process where factors such as proposed business plans and site locations will be discussed in greater depth. It will also include plans for current Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) locations that are going private.
In Regina, the Broad Street and 12th Ave SLGA store locations are going private, and in Saskatoon, the Market Mall and 20th Street West locations are being sold.
Currently, there are 75 SLGA stores in the province and 40 are being privatized. Permits for 11 new private stores are also being made available.
The RFP process for other municipalities in Saskatchewan will begin in stages over the next few weeks.
Permitting process opens for Regina and Saskatoon private liquor stores