Sask. lawmakers uncork plan to allow drinking in public parks

After failing to pass similar legislation in the spring, the Saskatchewan government is again moving forward with amendments to the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act to allow drinking in outdoor public places.

“Reducing red tape in Saskatchewan’s liquor laws increases flexibility for the public and creates new opportunities for communities and business, while remaining committed to ensuring the socially responsible sale and service of beverage alcohol,” Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Minister Lori Carr said in a press release.

The province expects to pass the amendments, which were introduced Monday, in the spring sitting.

That doesn’t mean you’ll be guaranteed the opportunity to raise a glass in your local park, though.

Under the amendments, municipalities and park authorities will have discretion over if, where and when outdoor public consumption can occur.

The province originally introduced amendments with just days left in the spring 2022 legislative sitting, but without unanimous support of the Saskatchewan opposition, the bill died after first reading at the end of that session.

At the time, then-Opposition deputy leader Nicole Sarauer said that while her party isn’t completely opposed to the idea, she thinks a bill such as this one should go through its normal process to allow time for the opposition to consult with local municipalities and other jurisdictions, which may have implemented a similar amendment or legislation, as well as ask questions of the bill.

“The government knows how legislation works, how the legislative process works in this building. If they wanted it passed for this summer they could’ve introduced it any time earlier than when they did, which is the last week of session,” she said in the spring.

“We’re not supportive of consent without consultation.”

Other proposed legislative changes include simplifying recorking provisions for permittees, allowing homemade beer, wine and cider to be served at family events that are permitted with a special occasion permit and removing the requirement that applicants publish their intentions to obtain a liquor permit in local newspapers.

The province adds that the proposed changes come following “discussions with stakeholders.”

Speaking to reporters at the legislature Monday afternoon, Minister Carr added, “I really don’t think it’s any different than someone going to a restaurant or a bar and consuming alcohol. We expect everybody to get a safe ride home and do the responsible thing.”

“(Municipalities and park authorities) will have the responsibility to draft it the way they want. If they feel it’s appropriate to allow alcohol in a park, then they can make that permit. If they don’t want that to happen they don’t have to,” she said.

SLGA critic Nathaniel Teed said the Saskatchewan NDP undertook consultations over the summer, and that while concerns about the idea were heard, his party is generally supportive of the coming legislative changes.

“I welcome any legislation that modernizes legislation on the books. I welcome this legislation as it increases quality of life for folks in our province. It reduces red tape for small businesses and consumers alike,” he said Monday.

“Some of the concerns were around that there are communities that experience a high volume of addictions and mental health issues. Some of those municipalities may not jump on board, but there are municipalities that are interested.”