The Saskatchewan government is amending the province’s liquor laws in order to reduce red tape.. Lori Carr .Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) Minister Lori Carr said the liquor laws need additional flexibility as new opportunities arise for businesses and communities..“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,” said Carr..The government met with stakeholders to create the liquor law modernizations..First, it allows “municipalities and park authorities with the discretion to designate outdoor public places such as parks for consumption of beverage alcohol by individuals of legal drinking age.”.Second, homemade beer, wine, and cider can be served for family events, if a special occasion permit includes “products manufactured at a U-Brew/U-Vin facility.”.Third, it would eliminate the requirement to publish liquor permit applications in local newspapers..Carr said it is important to not duplicate steps in the process to get a liquor permit..“You have to advertise in the newspaper at this current point in time to get a new liquor permit,” said Carr..“But the municipality also does that process at the same time. So, it really is duplication, just getting rid of red tape.”.Fourth, it allows all alcoholic drinks to be re-corked instead of just wine, which is the current law.. Nathaniel Teed .The NDP SLGA Critic Nathaniel Teed praised updating the liquor laws as a positive for Saskatchewanians..“We’re modernizing them, that haven’t been touched for years,” said Teed..“I welcome this legislation as it increases quality of life for folks in our province that reduces red tape for small businesses and consumers alike.”.Carr said the government had no conversations about changing the rules around marijuana use in public places..“It’s just not something we’ve considered yet,” said Carr..“Alcohol came into effect how many years ago, and it took us how long to get to this point? So that conversation would happen down the road if it does take place.”.The Bill is expected to pass in the spring 2023 legislative session.
